General > General Technical Chat
Encapsulating electronics in candle wax?!
The Soulman:
For a low voltage dc project I'm looking for a medium to encapsulate a bunch of TO-92's.
The goal is to shield the circuit from moisture and provide some thermal mass/bonding anything better than regular air is an improvement in that respect.
Traditionally oil is used for this application but I don't like the idea of the mess that could make and potentially humidity
gathering at the bottom of the bath.
Alternatively a commercial potting compound could be used but is not only expensive but also very permanent.
How about paraffin wax?
Electrical and thermal parameters are great, cheap, no mess when cured etc.
Looks ideal, apart from the fact that the electronics need to survive 80 degrees Celsius for longer period (preheat, poor, cool-down),
should be fine for my application.
Any obvious reason why it wouldn't work?
Ian.M:
Shrinkage?
The Soulman:
--- Quote from: Ian.M on November 21, 2020, 06:58:55 pm ---Shrinkage?
--- End quote ---
Good point, need to experiment see how much and why (rapid cool-down?).
In my application the pcb itself doesn't have to be encapsulated, just the to-92's is enough, and could solder the leads afterwards to avoid strain.
Gyro:
--- Quote from: Ian.M on November 21, 2020, 06:58:55 pm ---Shrinkage?
--- End quote ---
Yes, from my wife's candle making experiments, shrinkage is significant.
PartialDischarge:
Don't do that, you're trying to reinvent the wheel, when the wheel was invented long time ago and works fine. You'll have paraffin dripping and a mess.
If you want more thermal mass add a small aluminum tab, very cheap.
If you want moisture protection use a spray of dielectric lacquer
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