Acota has been appointed the Authorised Distributor for 3M™ Nextel™ Ceramic Fibres and Textiles, for the UK & North Europe.
Certonal FC-742 is a clear, low viscosity solution of a surface modifier fluorochemical polymer coating carried in a hydrofluoroether solvent.
Certonal FC-742 can be used as an anti-migration barrier to prevent lubricant materials migrating from critical wear components in gyroscopes, precision bearings, MEMS spindles and similar mechanical, critical wear devices.
The solvent is non-flammable, has low toxicity and provides acceptable environmental properties for today’s demanding electronic applications. When applied to clean, moisture-free surfaces such as copper, aluminium, ceramic, steel, tin or glass, Certonal FC-742 dries to a thin transparent film with required in many diverse applications. Certonal FC-742 will form a clear, nearly invisible, uniform film that is insoluble in solvents such as heptane, toluene and water. These films can endure up to 175°C for prolonged periods and maintain good repellency.
Certonal FC-742 is an extremely stable surface modifier fluoropolymer rich in carbon-fluorine bonds. Carbon-fluorine bonds give the coating it’s stable characteristics. The dry film is both oleophobic and hydrophobic. As the surface energy is so low, in comparison to coatings based on polyethylene and PTFE, many materials with low surface tension characteristics, such as silicone oils and lubricating oils, bead and drain freely from a Certonal FC-742 coated surface. The low surface energy of the coating also helps to prevent solid materials adhering to the surface.
The low surface energy films cast from Certonal FC-742 have excellent repellency to hydrocarbon oils, silicone oils, synthetic fluids and aqueous solutions. With a surface energy of 11-12 dynes/cm, Certonal FC-742 films compare favourably to coatings of polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene, which have surface energy values of approximately 31 and 18 dynes/cm respectively. This property enables non-solubilising solvents such as heptane, toluene and water, as well as liquids having low surface tension values such as lubricating oils, silicones etc., to bead and drain freely from coated surfaces whilst leaving the film intact.
The application of Certonal FC-742 should be carried out in a controlled manner to maintain careful management of the solids content. Acota can provide information on a range of equipment designed for controlled application of Certonal FC-742.
Property | Value |
---|---|
Solids content by weight (% in solution) | 0.02% to 15% |
Specific gravity of fluid at 25°C | ~1.5 |
Solvent | Highly fluorinated liquids with vapour pressure selected depending on application method |
Flash point | None |
Thermal stability of dry film | Stable up to 175°C |
Viscosity | 0.58 cps |
Refractive Index | 1.39 |
Surface Energy of dry film (dynes/cm) | 11-12 |
Approximate dry film thickness | ~ 1.0 micron at 4% solids |
Dielectric strength (25°C, 30% RH 500v/s) | 1.2 Kv / 25.4 microns |
Coverage per kg | 12m2 |
Tg of dried film | -66°C |
Continuous operating temperature range | -65°C to +175°C |
Flammability of dry film | Self-extinguishing UL94V(0) |
Thermal shock per Mil-I-46058c | Pass |
Ease of application | Excellent |
Diluent / chemical | Hydrofluoroether |
Ease of cure / dry | Heat curing is not required |
Application method | Dipping is preferred but spray, disperse and brush application work well |
EHSR | Low in toxicity, non-flammable. |
Inspection | UV trace in some versions |