Avoiding LED corrosion is an important step in improving LED reliability. This article analyzes the reasons for LED corrosion and provides the main methods to avoid corrosion – to avoid LED approaching harmful substances, and to effectively limit the concentration level and environmental temperature of harmful substances.

The reliability of LED products is one of the important specifications used to estimate the lifespan of LED products. Even under most different conditions, general LED products can continue to operate. However, once the LED is corroded, it undergoes chemical reactions with the surrounding environment, which can lead to a decrease in the performance of the LED product.
The best way to avoid LED corrosion is to prevent it from approaching harmful substances. Even a small amount of harmful substances can cause LED corrosion. Even if LED only comes into contact with corrosive gases during the processing, such as machines in production lines, it may still have adverse effects. In these cases, it is usually possible to observe whether the LED components are damaged before actual system setup. Especially, sulfur pollution should be avoided.
Here are some examples of potentially corrosive substances (especially hydrogen sulfide), including:
O-Ring
Washers
Organic rubber
Foam pad
Sealing rubber
Sulfurized elastomers containing sulfur
Shock-absorbing pad
If harmful substances cannot be completely avoided, LED with higher corrosion resistance should be used. However, please remember – the effect of limiting corrosion depends on the concentration of harmful substances. Even if you choose more durable LEDs, you should try to minimize the exposure of these LED materials.
Usually, heat, humidity, and light can accelerate the corrosion process. However, the main influencing factors are still the concentration level and temperature of harmful substances, and limiting these two will be important methods for protecting LEDs.