Apiezon Wax 40 Sealant

Specifications Table (Typical Value)

Vapor Pressure	Est. @20°C/68°F, Torr: 6 x 10-8
Specific Heat (Cal/g•°C)	@ 25°C: 2.9 (J/g)
Temperature Range	-10 – 35 (°C) 14 to 95 (°F)
Thermal Conductivity	@ 20°C: 0.177 (w/m°C)
Volume Resistivity	5.06 x 1015 (ohm cm)
Permitivity	2.9
Loss Tangent	0.015
Approx. Softening Point	40-50 (°C) 104 to 122 (°F)
Temp. for Application	90 (°C) 194 (°F)
Pack	250g (tin)
Solubility of Water (ppm by wt)	@ 25°C: 1.6 x 10-8 (g/cm/hr/mm Hg)

Note: Typical properties - these are not to be construed as specifications

Charts

Vacuum sealing

Apiezon waxes are ideal for use where a rigid permanent or semi-permanent sealed joint is required. Apiezon waxes are equally effective at maintaining seals in vacuum systems down to 10^-9 torr at 20°C (dependent on the wax) and in systems at small positive pressures. They are excellent waterproof mediums providing a total seal against liquid water and offer superior sealing against water vapour and atmospheric moisture.

The excellent vapour pressure characteristics, as shown in the graph opposite, are extremely important for a variety of applications, including thin film deposition. Volatiles will not jeopardise the vacuum within the system or contaminate thin film deposits.

How to use Apiezon Wax W40

Apply pre-melted wax to the required area using a glass rod, spatula, or other similar implement, taking care not to exceed 60°C above the softening point of the wax shown in the table on Page 38. Alternatively dissolve the wax in a hydrocarbon solvent prior to use. Evaporation of the solvent will leave a thin layer of wax with excellent adhesive properties. To ensure an adhesive layer of uniform thickness, rapidly rotate the chip and a superior mounting surface will be created.

Etch resist

Apiezon waxes chemically inert, being resistant to etching fluids such as:

• HF (Hydrofluoric acid)
• HNO³ (Nitric acid)
• CH³COOH (Acetic acid)
• KOH (Potassium hydroxide)
• TMAH (Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide)
• EDP (Ethylenediamine pyrocatechol)

NaOH (Sodium hydroxide) Apiezon waxes are extensively used as protective coatings for printed circuits, ensuring complete protection for the copper circuit from acid etching oxidation, while enabling direct soldering through the wax.

Easily Removed

To remove the wax after use, simply heat, soften, and scrape away larger amounts. Any deposits can then be dissolved away by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene) or removed using a vapour degreasing bath. Apiezon waxes are not soluble in alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK) so these cannot be used for cleaning.

'Gettering' action

Like the greases, Apiezon waxes contain a high proportion of branched and unsaturated hydrocarbons. These complex structures give Apiezon waxes a very high molecular weight and consequently strong powers of absorption, particularly for other hydrocarbon molecules. Strong absorption properties ensure that Apiezon waxes have a powerful 'gettering' action, i.e., the power to absorb greasy or chemical impurities on metal and glass surfaces.

Apiezon waxes have no contaminating effect on electrical equipment and are easily removed by hydrocarbon solvents, taking with it many trace impurities which are not removed by solvents alone. This has led to their extensive use in the electronics industry, where scrupulous cleanliness of metal surfaces is required.

Shelf life

The shelf life of the Apiezon waxes is ten years from date of manufacture, providing the product is in the original unopened packaging and has been stored at ambient (10 to 30°C) temperature.