Electrical embedding-new polyamides

The embedding of electrical/electronic connections and components is becoming more critical as these are being used in more hostile environments. These environments include automotive uses and industrial plants. Embedding of electrical or electronic connections in automobiles is important, as more functions are computer controlled. A wide range of processes and materials are used for making these embedded connectors, but durability of the assembly is critical to long-term performance. A good embedding material needs to have very specific properties to protect the connection under a variety of conditions. The typical polymers used in these applications have been epoxies, silicones, and urethanes. Each polymer has advantages and disadvantages that determine its suitability to a specific application. There are also newer materials, such as thermoplastic and thermoset dimer-based polyamides. These newer materials can overcome some of the processing or performance limitations of the typical polymers now being used.