Vertrel^® SMT is a proprietary azeotrope ideally suited for use in vapor degreasing systems. This cleaner delivers very aggressive solvency which is highly suitable for removing ionic soils and flux residues from electronic assemblies. In side-by-side testing, this powerful new cleaner produced cleaning results equal to the CFC-based benchmark, Freon^® TMS. It also can be used for precision and general industrial cleaning where enhanced solvency is required.

Specifically, Vertrel^® SMT is a constant-boiling mixture of a nonflammable hydrofluorocarbon HFC solvent called HFC 43-10mee (which is also known as 2,3-dihydrodeca-fluoropentane), trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and methanol. It has "zero" ozone depletion potential and a low global warming potential.

Details about the solvent and its physical properties are found in the DuPont Product Spec sheet, available as a PDF file.

In a test with RMA and RA flux soldered assemblies, Vertrel^® SMT gave lower ionics and residual rosin levels when compared to Freon^® TMS under identical cleaning cycles. Vertrel^® SMT alsois effective in removing heavy industrial soils (e.g., mineral oil, vacuum oil, wax and heavy grease) with a brief vapor degreasing cycle.

Most plastics commonly used for components mounted on printed wiring board assemblies can be safely cleaned in Vertrel^® SMT. ABS, acrylic, polystyrene, cellulosic and polyphenylene oxide, particularly if under stress, were rated as "not compatible." EPDM, butyl rubber, Buna-S, and neoprene are recommended for elastomeric parts. Vertrel^® SMT is compatible with aluminum, copper and iron.

Vertrel^® SMT exhibits no closed cup or open cup flash point and is not classified as a flammable liquid by NFPA or DOT. However, the product does exhibit vapor flammability limits in air. Users should clear equipment of all vapors and liquids before performing any maintenance operations that could result in an ignition source.

Data from acute toxicity studies has demonstrated that Vertrel^® SMT has low toxicity. It has been assigned a calculated AEL by DuPont of 200 ppm with a 400 ppm ceiling. Vertrel^® SMT is a slight skin and eye irritant and has low acute inhalation toxicity.

For further details about the safety of the solvent carefully read and understand the data in the DuPont Material Safety Data Sheet, available as a PDF file.

Vertrel^® SMT is accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, as a substitute for ozone-depleting substances. The components of Vertrel^® SMT are TSCA listed.

Vertrel^® SMT is thermally stable and does not oxidize or degrade during storage. Store in a clean, dry area.

Vertrel^® SMT is available commercially in 55-gal (208-L) drums with a net weight of 550 lb (249 kg) and in 5-gal (19-L) pails with a net weight of 50 lb (23 kg). One-gallon (five liter) packages are available from many local distributors and samples in one-liter canisters are available from Micro Care Marketing Services on request. Customers are encouraged to secure samples for compatibility and performance testing.

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