3M Introduces High-Performance Solvent Alternatives To HCFC-141b
Novec Aerosol Cleaners balance performance, economics and environmental properties
St. Paul, MN - 3M recently introduced Novec Aerosol Cleaners, a new line of non-flammable aerosols that are a viable alternative to HCFC-141b-based cleaners for the removal of dust, grease, oil and other maintenance of sensitive electronics in the industrial, telecommunications, aerospace and military markets. Among the highest-performing solvent alternatives on the market, Novec Aerosol Cleaners balance performance, economics and environmental properties.
"While performance and price will always be important considerations for customers - health, safety and environmental concerns are important factors due to increased solvent differentiation in the market," said Ed DePauw, marketing manager for 3M Electronics. "To meet the industry's need for cleaners that balance these properties, 3M drew upon its broad technology base of segregated, non-flammable hydrofluoroethers. This line of Novec cleaners meets industry requirements and is affordable, without sacrificing performance. These cleaners are non-ozone depleting and do not contain any Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) or n-propyl bromide (nPB)."
The new line comprises three low-toxicity, fast-drying cleaners that are ideal for challenging manufacturing applications and are effective on a wide variety of soils and contaminants. The first product is 3M(tm) Novec(tm) Contact Cleaner which removes oils, light grease, silicones, dust and particulates from susceptible electronics and is compatible with sensitive plastics such as ABS, PMMA and polycarbonate. This cleaner is low in toxicity and is ideal for electrical or energized components including contacts, connectors, relays, switches, circuits, instrumentation and sensors. The second cleaning agent, 3M Novec Electronic Degreaser, removes grease, oils and handling soils from electric motors, electrical equipment, precision devices and other electro-mechanical or sensitive devices. The third product, 3M Novec Flux Remover, removes rosin flux residues, oils, grease, waxes and similar contaminants found in electronics manufacturing and other electro-mechanical applications.
"Many current customers, including some parts of the U.S. military, are adopting Novec Aerosol Cleaners into their maintenance portfolios due to strict industry specifications that call for sustainable technologies that are safe for workers," added DePauw.
3M Novec brand products stand for safe, sustainable chemistry that balance environmental, performance and worker health and safety properties. The 3M Novec brand product line spans from the electronics to the fire protection industry.
SOURCE: 3M