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Phase out of HCFCs and CFCs lead to new developments
After the phase out of CFC 113 first and HCFC 141b now in the major industrial nations, solutions for a number of solvent applications remain uncertain. When CFC 113 production was discontinued, HCFC 141b and in some markets HCFC 225 were a good alternative for most solvent applications.
But now, there seems to be no “one component” substitute available on the market neither for HCFC 141b nor for HCFC 225.
Belows figure depicts total HCFC consumption limits over all applications. But it only shows half the picture. Individual use bans apply regionally. For solvent applications this is the case in many parts of the developed world – especially for HCFC 141b.
Consumption of HCFCs in developed countries
* 100 % = 2.8 % of CFCs in 1989 plus 100 % of HCFCs in 1989
** Service only
Consumption of HCFCs in developing countries
Precision Cleaning
Precision cleaning applications are characterized by highest requirements for cleanliness of sensitive parts. They usually occur in the final assembly stages of a production process and typically involve parts composed of mixed materials. Solkane® 365mfc has a number of very suitable physical properties for precision cleaning processes such as low surface tension, good creeping properties and excellent material compatibility.
Defluxing Electronics
The world of electronics defluxing is changing and diversifying significantly.
A larger selection of construction materials is used to manufacture smaller, tighter and more powerful components. While so called “no-clean” fluxes are gaining momentum in some applications they may never be an option for others; and sometimes even they need post treatment. Solkane® 365mfc is used in a number of formulations for this segment.
Dry Cleaning
Both pure and as part of formulated blends, Solkane® 365mfc is used with increasing success for dry cleaning applications. An ideal boiling point, good cleaning power in combination with spezialised soaps, very fast cycle times, superior energy efficiency and “no-smell” cleaning results are only some of the reasons, why Solkane® 365mfc is selected for their dry cleaning needs.
Cleaning of Optical Parts and assemblies
Fibre optic products, lenses and camera assemblies all require very thorough yet sensitive cleaning methods. Solkane® 365mfc – due to the already mentioned characteristics – is very suitable for these application either as a pure substance or as part of a customized formulation.
Degreasing
While hydrocarbon or aquous systems are typically used for coarse or heavy duty cleaning jobs, there are cleaning jobs that require more precise and delicate cleaning methods. Solkane® 365mfc is an interesting component for these applications.
Fluid Carrier
Dissolving and precise disposal of specialized fluorinated lubricants or coatings is another application for Solkane® 365mfc and respective formulations. Due to excellent solvency against fluorinated lubricants or polymers it is a good choice e.g. for hard-disk-drive manufacturers or the medical industry.
A/C&R Flushing Fluid
Refrigeration and airconditioning units may require flushing procedure following a failure or a refrigerant retrofit. Solkane® 365mfc has a number of favourable features for this application such as excellent solubility in today’s refrigeration lubricants or suitable density and boiling point.
As you can see, your products can be as diversified as the applications are! We will supply you with a perfect base for your formulations.
Solve it with Solvay!
Blend options and azeotropic compositions
The typical role of Solkane® 365mfc in the solvent sector is to be a part of a specifically formulated blend.
Solkane® 365mfc is a very good team player and forms numerous azeotropes:
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With 1,2 trans dichloroethylene (DCEe)
This azeotrope has the composition HFC 365mfc/DCEe: 70/30 and a boiling point of 36 °C. The main advantage of this azeotrope is the increased solvency power, suitable for a large number of applications (KB = 23 instead of 13).
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With alcohols: Methanol and Ethanol
The composition and boiling point of these flammable azeotropes are shown in following figure:
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With perfluoropolyethers (PFPE)
As mentioned before these azeotropes are interesting because of their non flammability. However their use is only recommended for non emissive applications because of the high GWP value of PFPEs. The basic properties of these azeotropes are shown in the following figure:
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Azeotropic composition with pentanes
(see our technical brochure on foam blowing agent)
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Ternary azeotropic compositions
HFC 365mfc / 1,2-tDCEe / Alcohols
– For Methanol: 64.9/31.5/3.6 : NBp = 32 °C
– For Ethanol: 66.1/32.3/1.6 : NBp = 34 °C
Compatibility with Plastics
As the solvency power of HFC 365mfc is medium, this product is compatible with a wide range of plastic materials as shown in the following table (weight variations in % after seven days immersion in the solvent).
| Materials |
HCFC 141b |
HFC 365mfc |
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Thermoplastics
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| PVC |
0.77
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- 0.02
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| PE-HD |
7.1
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0.37
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| PMMA |
dissolved |
57
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| Polycarbonate |
2.3
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0.27
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| PP |
12.5
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0.16
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| Nylon 66 |
1.87
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- 0.33
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| PS |
dissolved |
0.19
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|
Elastomers
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| Neoprene |
87
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1.0
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| Viton A |
46
|
90
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| EPDM |
44
|
1.6
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| Natural Rubber |
185
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7.2
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| Nitrile Rubber |
47
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2.5
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| Silicone |
110
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16.1
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The figures mentioned in blue show an improvement of the behavior in comparison with HCFC 141b. Polystyrene, a very common thermoplastic, shows excellent compatibility with HFC 365mfc. However there remain problems with PMMA even though they are less serious compared with HCFC 141b. For the elastomers, only Viton A gives compatibility problems. All other products show much better behavior with HFC 365mfc than with HCFC 141b.
Compatibility with Metals
HFC 365mfc is also compatible with the most commonly used metals and alloys. However, it is advisable to test the reaction of light alloys such as aluminum, magnesium or titanium over prolonged period of immersion.
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