APIEZON Waxes

High vacuum joints of a more permanent nature, not required to be movable, are best sealed with one of the Apiezon waxes rather than by a grease. Three grades of wax are available, all basically similar, but differing in their hardness and softening points, from hard Wax W softening at 80' to 90'C to relatively soft Wax W40 softening at about 40'C. Wax W would be chosen for sealing most joints; a softer grade is used where the lower softening point makes application easier or where the softer wax is desirable because of probable vibration of the joint.

Apiezon waxes have powerful gettering' properties similar to the greases. This coupled with their purity and very'clean'meltdown characteristics has led to their extensive use in the electronics industry. Apiezon waxes are used in the manufacture of silicon transistors and integrated circuits, both as miniature mounting blocks (in the form of small chips) and by deposition from a solution in a suitable solvent, as the masking medium in etching processes. Their extreme chemical inertness makes them very resistant to etching fluids such as hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, but they are easily and rapidly removed by hydrocarbon or chlorinated solvents.

Their 'gettering' action ensures that the surface is left chemically clean. The waxes have also been used as protective coatings for printed circuits ensuring complete protection of the copper circuit from acid etching processes and from air oxidation, but allowing direct soldering straight through the wax which forms an excellent flux.

Apiezon waxes, like the greases, have outstandingly good electrical insulating characteristics with high breakdown voltages. They offer interesting possibilities for use as encapsulating or impregnating materials in electrical equipment. The electrical properties of the Apiezon waxes are shown in Table 4.

* Over temperature range 20 to 30o C

APIEZON WAX W40

Softer than W and Wl 00, Wax W40 was developed for applications where it is required to flow the sealing medium into or around a joint, but at the same time, the temperature of the apparatus must be kept as low as possible, ruling out the use of a harder wax. Occasions for such a wax arise where the glass of the apparatus is liable to crack if heated. Since Wax W40 is designed to soften at temperatures of 40' to 50'C, it cannot be used for apparatus likely to warm up above 30'C. Estimated vapor pressure is 7 x 1- 8torr at 20'C.

APIEZON WAX W100

This wax is softer than Wax W and softens between 50' to 60'C. It is used where a wax seal is needed, but where the softer wax will reduce the danger of a joint cracking if the parts are subject to vibration.  The safe working temperature for Wax Wl00 is obviously lower than for Wax W and is about 50'C. Estimated vapor pressure is 6 x 10-9 torr at 20'C.

APIEZON WAX W

The highest melting of three waxes, Apiezon Wax W softens between 80' to 90'C and is particularly suitable for sealing joints which may become warm in operation. Wax W should be heated to about 100'C for ease of application. Estimated vapor pressure is 6 x 10-9 torr at 20'C.

PRECAUTIONS: Apiezon Products - Health and Safety

Apiezon products have been widely and safely used in vacuum distillation apparatus in both industry and laboratories for a number of years.  As a result they should not present a health hazard assuming normal standards of industrial hygiene and safety are followed in their handling.

All Apiezon products are bases on petroleum products of a low order of acute toxicity.  However, certain individual develop a rash after repeated contact.  Therefore, it is recommended that gloves be worn to handle Apiezon.  If Apiezon material is inadvertently in contact with the skin, wipe the area carefully, then cleanse thoroughly using a mild soap.  Should any Apiezon products be heated for application, vent the fumes and avoid breathing the warm vapors.

In terms of explosion and fire, Apiezon products are considered non-hazardous.

UOM=EA
Part No.	Description	est wt.	Quantity In Stock	Price	Quantity to order
APW40	Apiezon W40 Wax, 250g. can	1	0(#)	$131.00	1
APW100	Apiezon W100 Wax, 250g. can	1	0(#)	$139.00	1
APW	Apiezon W Wax, 500g sticks	1	1	$132.00	1
APQ	Apiezon sealing cmpd. Q, 1000g. can.	1	0(#)	$132.00	1
(#) Standard lead-time for out-of-stock items is approximately two weeks.
Ordering information. International (non-US) prices available through your local dealer.

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