Well, now this is the most interesting comparison. The fact is that the Vertrel^® solvents and the HFE solvents are very similar. Marketed by 3M Corp. under the Novec^® brand name, the HFEs are accepted by many customers. Both types of cleaners are nonflammable, low-boiling, low aroma, relatively non-toxic materials which can be used safely and effectively in vapor degreasers.

There are a few areas in which the HFE cleaners do better than Vertrel^®. The most significant one is in terms of global warming. While the Vertrel^® solvents have a low global warming index, relatively speaking, the HFE solvents still are slightly lower. However, the HFE solvents also are much more expensive than, say, the "C" series cleaners from Vertrel^®.

On the other hand, Vertrel^® has a better wetting index (a measure of cleaning performance which combines density and surface tension) so Vertrel^® is more effective at removing particulate than HFE solvents. The Vertrel^® family offers a wider product range so used for a wider variety of soils. And -- not insignificantly -- the Vertrel^® products are backed by more than forty years of precision cleaning experience from the experts at DuPont.

So while the HFEs are good, the Vertrel^® family of cleaners is clearly the better choice. Stick with the winner -- stick with Vertrel^®.

Please call, fax or email us at Micro Care Marketing Services
for more information about our full line of cleaning answers.