Parylene is a word that might be tricky to spell at first glance. However, its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription can provide some clues. The word is pronounced /ˈpærɪliːn/ and divided into syllables as "par-y-le-ne." Each syllable contains its own vowel, making it relatively easy to spell once the sounds have been recognized. Parylene is a polymer that is commonly used in coatings and protective films, so it's a word that people in the manufacturing or engineering industry may be familiar with.
Parylene is a type of polymer, specifically a high-performance polymer, that is derived from the reaction of dimeric p-xylene. It is known for its excellent properties such as being transparent, highly resistant to chemicals, and possessing a low dielectric constant. Parylene is a member of the poly(monochoro-p-xylylene) polymer family.
This unique polymer is formed through a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In this process, dimeric p-xylene is vaporized and then subjected to pyrolysis, where it breaks down into a reactive monomer known as paracyclophane. The paracyclophane monomers are then deposited on a substrate surface, where they polymerize, forming a conformal and pinhole-free layer of parylene.
Parylene finds applications in various industries due to its exceptional properties. It is commonly used as a coating material in electronics and medical devices due to its excellent moisture and chemical resistance. Its ability to form a thin and uniform layer allows it to protect sensitive components without compromising their functionality. Parylene is also used as an insulation material due to its low dielectric constant and good electrical insulation properties.
Furthermore, parylene possesses a high degree of biological compatibility, making it suitable for applications in the medical field. It is often utilized in implantable devices, such as pacemakers and neurostimulators, due to its ability to provide a protective barrier against bodily fluids while not eliciting an adverse immune response.
In summary, parylene is a versatile polymer known for its exceptional properties including transparency, chemical resistance, low dielectric constant, and biological compatibility. Its unique deposition process allows it to form conformal and pinhole-free films, making it valuable in a wide range
The word "parylene" is derived from the names of its inventors, Michael Szwarc and Dietrich M. Braun. The "par" in parylene stands for "polymerized aromatic", indicating the chemical nature of the material, while "y" represents the presence of halogens in the polymer structure. "Lene" was added to the name to classify it as a new polymer. The name was first proposed in 1965 when the material was introduced.