New parylene coating technology helps computers work underwater

HZO suggests that hardware companies can turn Raspberry Pi 4 boards into suitable waterproof computer projects.

The Parylene coating process works through chemical vapor deposition (CVD). First, the precursor material is heated until it turns into a gas. The gas is then further heated to form reactive monomers. The temperature in the deposition chamber is maintained 'near room temperature' so that these monomers deposit on all items inside.

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When they land next to each other, the monomers connect and form a polymer coating with a typical thickness of 2 to 25 microns. This coating works at room temperature so it can be safely used on delicate electronic components. HZO emphasizes that parylene coatings are highly reliable and non-toxic.

The CVD process can be applied to many devices such as sensors and automotive electronics, smart home devices, consumer electronics, biological sensors, etc.

At CES 2024 HZO showed off a parylene-coated Raspberry Pi 4 operating in a water tank. It is then securely connected to a USB-C power cable and a microHDMI cable for video output, both of which are parylene-coated.

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The CVD process can be applied in large quantities. HZO wants to partner with electronics manufacturers and large corporations, including Dell and Nike, to provide parylene coating services.

David Pac

Update 18 January 2024