밀폐형 한돈 사육환경 내 전자 기판의 부식 양상과 개선을 위한 컨포멀 코팅 적용 효과 연구

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the corrosion pattern on the circuit board of an environmental measurement instrument in a closed Korean pig breeding environment and to verify the effectiveness of conformal coating applied to the circuit board as a corrosion mitigation method. The closed Korean pig breeding environment was associated with factors such as humidity, dust, and corrosive gases in a complex manner, which can lead to corrosion and malfunction of the electronic measuring device. Thus, it was necessary to ensure the reliability of the device.<BR>Methods: A printed circuit board (PCB), which is a core element of electronic devices, was selected as the experimental material. Experimental specimens were divided into those coated with a conformal coating and those without conformal coating. The specimens were placed in a breeding environment to examine the corrosion patterns and effect of the coating. The corroded specimens were analyzed using cross-sections and scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy methods.<BR>Results: In specimens without conformal coating, corrosion of the PCB occurred in the solder, component mounting pads, and through-vias (except for the photo solder resist), and sulfur was detected in the oxides and corroded parts. No corrosion was detected in the specimens coated with conformal coating.<BR>Conclusion: In an environment such as that found in the closed Korean pig breeding area, it is necessary to protect sensitive electronics from external environmental factors, such as hydrogen sulfide, that can cause PCB corrosion of solder, component mounting pads, and through-vias. The application of conformal coating to the PCBs of electronic devices is expected to be an effective solution to prevent corrosion.