Replace Electropolishing with CVD Coatings

Solve Supply Chain Challenges and Optimize Performance

Electropolishing (EP) is an electrochemical technique used to improve metal surfaces. Metal parts are placed into a fluidic bath that an electrical current is then passed through. This creates a smooth and passive surface that is more desirable than stainless steel in applications like semiconductors, medical devices, analytical chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Electropolishing has historically been considered a compatibility and performance solution for metals, like stainless steel. However, SilcoTek coated parts allow for improved lead times and lower costs, eliminating a need for electropolishing. Additionally, although improved over unpolished metal, EP still leaves exposed metal throughout the flow path which leads to catalytic activity, adsorption, and subsequent problems in chromatography, pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor gas delivery, and many other sensitive applications.

Corrosion

SilcoTek coatings provide excellent corrosion resistance, protecting the base material from degradation caused by harsh chemicals, moisture, or corrosive gases. Extend lifetime of the components and ensure the integrity of a transfer system over time.

See the coupons to the left to view the visible impact of SilcoNert 2000 vs Electropolishing coupons after exposure to 5% HCl.
SilcoNert 2000 provides a good corrosion barrier for 5% HCl, as shown in the chart below each coupon type. The SilcoNert coated coupons show over 100x better corrosion protection than the EP coupons.

Inertness

SilcoNert 2000 creates an inert surface, reducing the chances of chemical reactions or adsorption, making it ideal for handling sensitive materials or samples without contamination or reaction.

For this experiment, electropolished tubing (left) and SilcoNert 2000 non-electropolished coated tubing (right) was filled with 100 psi nitrogen that contained 20 ppb hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbonyl sulfide (COS), and methyl mercaptan (MeSH). It was monitored through days 0, day 1, and day 4, as shown in the chromatograms below.
When compared to SilcoNert 2000 nonelectropolished coated tubing, all reactive materials still maintain a nearly identical signal from Day 0 to Day 4. These results highlight the impressive inertness needed for the accurate detection of trace impurities over time.

Improve Hydrophobicity and Dry Down Performance

The SilcoNert coating technology lowers the surface energy of materials, improving the hydrophobicity and reducing the adhesion ability of liquid molecules to the surface. This allows for a faster dry down time which is necessary in analytical instruments or applications where maintaining sample purity and minimizing carryover is crucial.

The SilcoNert 2000 non-electropolished coated surface cuts dry down time in half, saving over 15 minutes in comparison to electropolished surfaces and 25 minutes to untreated surfaces. The improved hydrophobic SilcoNert technology will allow users to save time while maintaining a high standard of purity.

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Replace Electropolishing

Silicon Coatings Outperform Electropolishing

Solve Supply Chain Challenges and Optimize Performance

Corrosion

Inertness

Improve Hydrophobicity and Dry Down Performance

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