Development of nonflammable, environmentally compliant fluoroiodocarbon (FIC) solvents Phase II final report, Aug 1995-Dec 1998
Glass, S; McCullough, E; Dhooge, P; Olson, K; Nimitz, JS
A new class of high-performance, nonflammable, clean-evaporating, low-toxicity, non-ozone-depleting, extremely low global warming solvents has been developed. This project identified and validated optimal solvents containing fluoroiodocarbons (FICs) as Freon 113 replacements in cleaning operations. The characteristics of three pure FICs and their blends with conventional flammable solvents were investigated. These characteristics included physical properties, rate of evaporation, non-volatile residues, flammability, thermal stability, toxicity, compatibility with metals and polymers, environmental effects, near-azeotrope formation, and cleaning performance using a variety of soils, surfaces, and cleaning methods. Pure FICs investigated include perfluoro-n-propyl iodide (CF3CF2CF2I, 1-C3F7I, abbreviated C3), perfluoro-n-butyl iodide (CF3CF2CF2CF2I, 1-C4F9I, abbreviated C4, also called Ikon Solvent P), and perfluoro-n-hexyl iodide (CF3CF2CF2CF2CF2CF2I, 1-C6F13I, abbreviated C6). Of the three pure FICs, C4 was the most attractive for physical properties, cleaning performance, toxicity, and cost. C4 removed perfluorinated greases better than Freon 113. Eighteen blends containing FICs were also studied. One blend, called Ikon Solvent M, was identified as the most attractive because it had no flash point and contained a substantial fraction of the conventional solvent (thus lowering costs). A chemical plant was designed conceptually and manufacturing costs were estimated at $9/lb for C4.