Vertrel^® XSi is different from all the other Vertrel^® products. Vertrel^® XSi has been formulated for use in medical applications as a solvent for depositing silicone oil lubricants. It has an important function as a swelling media for silicone rubber tubing.

A proprietary blend of a nonflammable hydrofluorocarbon HFC solvent called HFC 43-10mee (which is also known as 2,3-dihydrodeca-fluoropentane) and hexamethyldisiloxane. Vertrel^® XSi is not an azeotrope.

Vertrel^® XSi is a superior alternative to regulated fluids such as CFC-113, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, HCFC-141b, HCFC-225 and hexane, which is a VOC. It also can replace high global warming potential materials like perfluorocarbon (PFC) fluids in similar applications in the medical field.

For details of the physical properties of the product and laboratory results demonstrating its use with silicone fluids refer to the the details in the DuPont Product Spec.

For most applications using Vertrel^® XSi, parts simply are immersed in the solvent at room temperature. Vertrel^® XSi evaporates quickly, so it is recommended that the vapor-to-air interface area be minimized and/or the solvent be cooled to promote efficient and effective use. If there is a need to use the solvent at higher temperatures, a flammable-rated, single sump vapor degreaser can be used.

Due to flammability characteristics, this product requires appropriately rated work areas and equipment. Vertrel^® XSi is not an azeotrope and should not be used in a two-sump vapor degreaser as the components of the blend may separate.

Data was also collected to measure the swelling of a benchmark silicone product, polysilicone tubing. It was found that Vertrel^® XSi has similar swelling capability compared with hexane and CFC-113. However, Vertrel^® XSi offers superior performance because it results in a much smaller weight gain of the polysilicone tubing due to solvent absorption. This is very desirable as it reduces solvent consumption and permits a faster recovery of the polysilicone tubing to its original state.

Vertrel^® XSi has excellent compatibility with the common polymeric materials commonly used in the medical application as well as plastics and elastomers. Unusually, it has excellent compatibility with polycarbonate and polyurethane materials. None of the tested gaskets and plastics failed a 15 minute immersion test. However, in a few instances, this product may have a significant if temporary effect up certain silicone products. Therefore, prior in-use testing is particularly important.

Vertrel^® XSi is very stable with most common metals such as aluminum, copper, zinc, carbon steel, and stainless steel.

Data from acute toxicity studies has demonstrated that Vertrel^® XSi has low toxicity. DuPont has assigned the product an 8-hour TWA AEL of 200 ppm, with a cieling of 400 ppm. Vertrel^® XSi is a slight skin and eye irritant and has low acute inhalation toxicity.

Importantly, Vertrel^® XSi is flammable and must be handled with greater caution than the other products in the Vertrel^® family. For example, Vertrel^® XSi exhibits a closed cup flash point per the Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester (ASTM D 93). It is classified as a flammable liquid by NFPA or DOT. Under normal conditions the product exhibits vapor flammability limits in air, which means it has the potential to ignite and burn in an open vessel or in case of a spill if an ignition source is present. Users should clear equipment of all vapors and liquids before performing any maintenance operations that could result in an ignition source.

Recovery of Vertrel^® XSi is not recommended. The product is not an azeotrope, and the composition of the recovered product cannot be assured.

For further details about the safety of the solvent carefully read and understand the data in the DuPont Material Safety Data Sheet, available off-line from MicroCare.

Vertrel^® specialty fluids have "zero" ozone-depletion potential and low global warming potential. Vertrel^® XSi 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. Vertrel^® XF and hexamethyldisiloxane are exempt from classification as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by the EPA. Vertrel^® XSi is also VOC compliant under the California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations, which require VOC content less than 50 g/L of solvent.

The ingredients of Vertrel^® XSi are all TSCA listed and none are hazardous air pollutants (HAP), and therefore not subject to NESHAP regulation.

Vertrel^® XSi is thermally stable and does not oxidize or degrade during storage. Store in a clean, dry area. Protect from freezing temperatures.

Vertrel^® XSi is commercially available in 55-gal (208 L) drums, 5-gal (19-L) pails and one-gallon (five liter) packages. One-liter samples are available from MicroCare Marketing Services on request. Customers are encouraged to secure samples for compatibility and performance testing.

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