For many years UV light has been used in the fight to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Mobile and fixed UV light installations have been used to disinfect equipment used in hospitals, dentists, laboratories and in food preparation. With the continuing outbreaks of coronavirus pandemics, the focus has turned to the use of these methods across many varied industries. In an effort to halt the spread of these deadly viruses, entire buses and trains are now being disinfected using UV light systems.
Silicones Protect
These lamps are operating in a high pressure, time sensitive environment and are often subjected to other contaminants from cleaning chemicals and moisture. Silicone encapsulants are a perfect choice to provide protection for the LEDs and delicate electronic circuitry. They provide electrical insulation, physical protection from vibration, and a superb barrier to moisture and chemicals.
High Light Transmittance
To effectively kill viruses, high intensities of light in the UVC region (200 to 280 nm) are required. Disinfection lamps typically operate at around a wavelength of 250 nm.
Any optically transparent silicone encapsulant chosen for this application requires high transmittance levels at the targeted wavelengths and be resistant to yellowing.
Both QSil 214 and QSil 216 are tough, durable, optically transparent silicone encapsulants with excellent transmittance levels across the UV spectrum.