Author Topic: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol  (Read 25515 times)

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Offline plazma

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Re: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol
« Reply #75 on: November 10, 2017, 06:31:53 pm »
Depends on the soldermask.  Acetone has virtually no effect on fully cured epoxies.   However it is likely to remove inked component markings and attacks some plastics used for component bodies so its still risky.
Acetone does dissolve some epoxies. One way to fix epoxy potted electronics is to dissolve the potting agent with acetone (like C64 power supplies)
 

Offline T3sl4co1l

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Re: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol
« Reply #76 on: November 10, 2017, 08:24:34 pm »
I wouldn't say dissolve, swell maybe.  Epoxy is a cross-linked gel, it cannot be dissolved.  Unless what you've got there ain't epoxy!

Tim
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Offline IanB

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Re: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol
« Reply #77 on: November 10, 2017, 10:01:02 pm »
Acetone does however dissolve or loosen cyanoacrylate adhesives (superglue). This has been a lifesaver for me when the glue has gone where it shouldn't, or has stuck my fingers together.
 

Offline T3sl4co1l

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Re: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol
« Reply #78 on: November 10, 2017, 10:20:52 pm »
FYI, if you do want to seriously swell and soften (and make easier to excavate, but still not dissolve) epoxy, or silicone, other difficult substances like that: methylene chloride (good old fashioned toxic paint stripper!) is the go-to.  Use carefully on PCB, because it'll destroy the laminate, too!

Tim
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Offline M4trix

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Re: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol
« Reply #79 on: November 10, 2017, 10:33:02 pm »
methylene chloride

Quote
It may be carcinogenic, as it has been linked to cancer of the lungs, liver, and pancreas in laboratory animals.[22] Other animal studies showed breast cancer and salivary gland cancer. Research is not yet clear as to what levels may be carcinogenic



 >:D
 

Offline T3sl4co1l

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Re: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol
« Reply #80 on: November 11, 2017, 12:52:13 am »
methylene chloride

Quote
It may be carcinogenic, as it has been linked to cancer of the lungs, liver, and pancreas in laboratory animals.[22] Other animal studies showed breast cancer and salivary gland cancer. Research is not yet clear as to what levels may be carcinogenic

http://gif-finder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/George-Costanza-Im-out.gif

 >:D

Not quite as lively as carbon tet, but surely best used sparingly. ;D

Tim
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Offline nanofrog

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Re: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol
« Reply #81 on: November 11, 2017, 02:33:40 am »
MEK is nice to have on hand as well IME, assuming it's available in your location.
 
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Offline Cerebus

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Re: Altenative to isopropyl alcohol
« Reply #82 on: November 11, 2017, 03:10:41 am »
I'm getting a sense of deja vu. Haven't all these solvents already had a mention in this thread? Or was it another similar thread? 'The solvent thread' seems to be a recurrent one, so it's difficult to tell.

Perhaps it's time for 'common electronics solvents' thread designed, from the start, to turn into a sticky thread and somewhat carefully curated to try and avoid some of the chemistry/toxicity gaffes that seem to plague this recurrent subject?
Anybody got a syringe I can use to squeeze the magic smoke back into this?
 
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