Types of Parylene

Applied in a gaseous form to component surfaces through a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, Parylene (Poly-para-xylylene) films protect printed circuit boards (PCBs) and similar electrical assemblies. Gaseous CVD application supports efficient coating of complex component surfaces characterized by crevices, exposed internal areas, or sharp edges. Depending on the specific use, Parylene conformal coatings exhibit effectiveness within the ultra-fine thickness range of 0.1 to 76 microns, surpassing other coating materials in precision and performance. Equally as strong, adaptable and versatile Parylene protects substrates with:

• Pinhole-free coverage at thickness levels finer than other materials
• A completely homogeneous surface, with thermal stability between -200°C to +125°C
• Exceptional electrical insulation
• Low dielectric constancy
• High tension strain

These properties ensure that the deposited films effectively withstand acids, bodily fluids, harsh solutions, dust, extreme temperatures, water vapor, and various other contaminants. Apart from consumer and industrial applications, conformal coatings find extensive use in aerospace, automotive, military and medically biocompatible/implantable devices. Each Parylene types offers distinct advantages based on their unique chemical, electrical and physical characteristics.

Parylene Types and Their Uses

Some of the notable Parylene variants include:

• Parylene C: Type C is used as a conformal coating more frequently than any Parylene variety. A poly-monochoro para-xylene, produced from dimer material, C can be deposited quickly at room temperature on most substrates via CVD. Its main-chain phenyl ring has one chlorine group per repeat-unit, making it a carbon-hydrogen combination material. With low chemical, moisture, and vapor permeability, Type C films are characterized by outstanding defense against corrosive gases, and ongoing assembly protection in oxygen-dominated atmospheres for 100,000 hours (10 years), at temperatures of 100°C (212°F), water’s boiling point. Moreover, at 49.4°C/10 -6 torr (1 torr = 1/760 of the standard atmospheric pressure [SAP = 1 mm Hg]), C demonstrates performance ratings of 0.12% total weight-loss, confirming its reliable vacuum stability as a conformal coating.
• Parylene N: Less frequently used than Parylene C, Type N assumes a completely linear format, making it the most natural member of the Parylene series. Highly crystalline, each Type N molecule consists of a carbon-hydrogen combination. Its melting point of 420°C exceeds other Parylene types; exceptional vacuum stability is evidenced by total weight-loss levels of 0.30% at 49.4°C, and 10 -6 torr. Higher frequency applications are encouraged because of N’s low dielectric constant and dissipation values, in comparison to other Parylenes.

Types C and N exhibit faster deposition rates than most other Parylenes, making them useful for a wider range of uses. They also display generally lower levels of trace metal contamination and exceptional resistance to the destructive impact of corrosive chemicals. Parylene HT^® and Parylene F have fluorine atoms on its aromatic ring, distinguishing themselves from types C and N. Other salient characteristics include:

• Parylene HT: One of the newest commercially available variant of Parylene, replaces the alpha hydrogen atom of the N dimer with fluorine. This variant of Parylene is useful in high temperature applications (short term up to 450°C) and those in which long-term UV stability is required. Parylene HT also has the lowest coefficient of friction and dielectric constant, and the highest penetrating ability of the four variants.
• Parylene F: Type F is fluorinated, with markedly diminished coating capacitation compared to other Parylene types. The consequent lower electrical charge during operation generates a reduced dielectric constant and better thermal stability, enhancing its functionality for inner layer dielectric (ILD) applications; these properties expand its utility for ultra large scale integration (ULSI), wherein one million or more circuit elements are situated on a single chip, supporting both microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotech (NT) applications. F exhibits high coating density, more throw-capability and substantially greater penetrating power than other Parylenes.

Other prominent Parylene types are:

• ParyFree^®: The newest and a unique member of the series, replaces one or more hydrogen atoms of the Parylene N dimer with non-halogenated substituents. This halogen-free variant offers the advanced barrier properties of Parylene C and adds improved mechanical and electrical properties compared to other commercially-available Parylenes. ParyFree optimizes the critical combination of barrier, electrical and mechanical properties to provide robust protection against moisture, water, corrosive solvents and gases, while complying with halogen-free requirements of select industries worldwide.
• Parylene D: Originating from the same monomer as Type C, Parylene D’s chemical composition contains two atoms of chlorine in place of two hydrogen atoms. Nevertheless, unlike C, D lacks sufficient biocompatibility for wide use in medical devices. Withstanding temperatures in excess of 125° C, D offers effective coating protection at 134° C (273° F), providing reliable assembly protection for 10 years at 100° C, in oxygen-dominated environs.
• Parylene AF-4: With a precursor requiring a three-step synthesis process, AF-4 is more costly to manufacture; overall yields are limited compared to other Parylenes. A Teflon (PTFE) analogue, its higher oxidative resistance and greater UV stability allow for specialized applications.

Conclusion

Vacuum CVD causes Parylene to condense on substrate surfaces in a polycrystalline fashion, generating a truly conformal film that is pinhole free and long-lasting. Since other Parylene types have deposition rates that are slower and more expensive, most current Parylene applications use Types N and C. Although Type N is chemically the most fundamental of the Parylenes, Type C is more widely applied as a product/component coating.

In conclusion, Parylene coatings offer a versatile and reliable solution for protecting a wide range of electronic components and devices. With various types such as C, N, D, F, and innovative variants like Parylene HT and ParyFree, each tailored to specific application needs, Parylene coatings demonstrate exceptional properties including robust barrier protection, electrical insulation, and resistance to harsh environments. Whether in consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, or medical devices, the unique characteristics of Parylene coatings make them a vital choice for ensuring long-term reliability and performance of critical electronics.