SMT007 Magazine

SMT-Jan2015

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46 SMT Magazine • January 2015 The important thing to note is that the sol- vent does not turn acidic, a problem seen with some solvents such as n-propyl bromide or tr-1,2-dichloroethylene. This test essentially simulates the condition in a vapor degreaser, and as such suggests that it is unlikely that the solvent will break down in use in a vapor degreaser. Solvent stability is also studied in recovery with carbon adsorption. The tests were done by an outside agency and showed no breakdown of solvent in adsorption and desorption with activated carbon. 1233zd(E) is found to be com- patible with carbon recovery unlike some HFCs and HFEs. Compatibility with Plastics and Elastomers Compatibility of common plastics and elastomers were studied in 1233zd(E). Com- monly used plastics, such as acrylonitrile-bu- tadiene-styrene (ABS), high-density polyeth- ylene (HDPE), nylon, polycarbonate, polypro- pylene, polyethylene terephthalate, poly-vinyl chloride, high-impact polystyrene, and acrylic were immersed in the solvent for two weeks at room temperature in enclosed cells. At the end of the two-week exposure, the coupons were taken out and weight and volume changes were recorded. Except for high-impact polysty - rene and acrylic all other plastics have minimal or no effect. 1233zd(E) completely dissolved acrylic material. Similar tests were performed with elasto- mers. Elastomers used in the compatibility test are fluoroelastomer (Viton®B), epichloro- hydrin rubber, Buna N (nitrile butadiene rub- ber), butyl rubber, buna-nitrile, polyurethane 390, neoprene, silicone rubber, perfluoroelas- tomer (Kalrez®) and ethylene propylene diene M-class (EPDM) rubber. Here, weight change and dimensional change were carried out along with visual observation for cracks or other deg- radation. Significant changes were observed for Buna-nitrile, EPDM and for others the changes observed are minimal. With a vast array of plastics and elastomers in the marketplace it is not possible to test all kinds and grades of plastics and elastomers in our own labs. So, users are advised to test com- patibility prior to using the solvent. Conclusions In this article, we have described the char- acteristics of the new solvent 1233zd(E) or trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluro-1-propene, which showed excellent promise as a solvent for de- fluxing and other cleaning applications. It has better environmental and toxicity properties compared with many other solvents in the mar- ketplace today and can be used in vapor degreas- ers. It is also a stable, non-flammable product with reasonable compatibility with materials. Presently, 1233zd(E) registration for solvent and other uses is underway in many countries. SMT references 1. M.J. Molina and F.S. Rowland, "Strato- spheric Sink for Chlofluoromethanes: Chlorine Atom Catalyzed Destruction of Ozone," Nature, Vol. 249, 1974, pp. 810–812. 2. "The 1987 Montreal Protocol on substanc- es that deplete the ozone layer," United Nations Environmental Program, 1987. 3. ASHRAE Standard 34 – 2010, American So- ciety of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning En- gineers, Atlanta, Georgia, 2010. 4. Prof. Donald Weubbles, University of Il- linois at Urbana-Champaign, private communi- cations, 2011. 5. Prof. William P. L. Carter, University of California, Riverside, California, private com- munications, 2009. 6. Gary Knopeck, "Low GWP Solutions," pa- per presented at the National Aerosol Associa- tion, Feb 2012. 7. "Air Quality: Revision to Definition of Volatile Organic Compounds – Exclusion of trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene [Solstic- e TM 1233zd(E)] – Federal Register. Vol 78, No 167, Aug 2013, p. 53029. Rajat Basu is a senior principal scientist at Honeywell. Ryan Hulse is a senior technical manager at Honeywell. an aLTErnaTIvE SOLvEnT WITH LOW GLOBaL WarMInG POTEnTIaL continues artiCle

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