Patented innovation combines primerless adhesion with inhibition resistance, optical clarity, low viscosity, and UL 94 compliance in a 100 percent silicone (PDMS) formulation
Dow, a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, today unveiled DOWSIL™ EI-2888 Primerless Silicone Encapsulant, an optically-clear silicone for professional LED lighting that cures at room temperature. This advanced silicone technology provides superb optical performance without compromise and offers unique rheological properties for use with light fixtures in a variety of shapes and forms. Designed for explosion proof and high ingress protection rated luminaries, DOWSIL™ EI-2888 Primerless Silicone Encapsulant is also cost-effective to buy and use as its patented composition does not contain platinum– unlike other silicone solutions currently available on the market.
Dow’s experts Julien Renaud, technical service and development senior professional, and Thierry Cooremans, technical service and development specialist, will provide an in-depth technical review of the company’s new DOWSIL™ EI-2888 Primerless Silicone Encapsulant during a webinar the company will be conducting on February 21, 2019 at 9:00 am Eastern Standard Time. Register here.
“LED luminaries in harsh environments need protective materials that are reliable, easy to apply, and that provide robustness of cure,” said Konstantin Sobolev, strategic marketing manager for Dow and one of the presenters for the February 21 webinar. “DOWSIL™ EI-2888 Primerless Silicone Encapsulant eliminates a time-consuming processing step and reduces waste that can occur if curing is compromised by surface contaminants or moisture. This low-viscosity silicone also dispenses readily and adheres reliably without sacrificing optical properties. DOWSIL™ EI-2888 Primerless Silicone Encapsulant is an excellent choice for many professional applications, including explosion proof lighting, outdoor displays, and flexible and rigid LED strips.”
A two-part protective material with a 1:1 mix ratio, DOWSIL™ EI-2888 Primerless Silicone Encapsulant cures at room temperature with optional heat acceleration. This UL 94 compliant, 100 percent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone provides even curing and is insensitive to inhibition, a typical issue for platinum catalysts; and material reversion, a traditional problem in enclosed spaces at high temperatures. DOWSIL™ EI-2888 Primerless Silicone Encapsulant can be applied with automated static or dynamic metered mixing, manual mixing, or with flow, pour or needle dispensing equipment. This novel self-priming encapsulant adheres to a variety of substrates and supports the design of innovative LED luminaires in IP-rated enclosures.
Dow’s new primerless encapsulant is available globally under the DOWSIL™ label, which builds on seven decades of innovation and proven performance of the Dow silicone technology platform.
