Apiezon Waxes®
Vacuum Sealing and Mounting Waxes - Technical Data Sheet
Introduction:
Apiezon waxes are versatile products offering a multitude of uses. The key features of
Apiezon waxes are as follows:
- Jointing media
- "Gettering" qualities
- Etch fluid resistant
- Mounting media
- Low to medium vacuum range
Vacuum sealing:
An Apiezon wax being a solid at ambient temperatures is 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 vapor and
atmospheric moisture.
The excellent vapor pressure characteristics as shown below are extremely important for a
variety of applications, including thin film deposition as volatiles will not jeopardize
the vacuum within the system or contaminate thin film deposits. The the ultimate
performance in conjunction with high vacuum or UHV applications, consider the use of
the Vacseal® High Vacuum Leak Sealants.
Really clean:
Like the greases, Apiezon waxes have powerful
"gettering" qualities. This "gettering" power coupled with high purity and very "clean"
meltdown properties of the waxes has led to their extensive use in the electronics industry,
where scrupulous cleanliness of metal surfaces is required.
Etching:
Apiezon waxes are used in the manufacture of silicon transistors and integrated circuits. They
are chemically inert, being resistant to etching fluids such as hydrofluoric acid, nitric
acid and acetic acid, but are easily removed with hydrocarbon or chlorinated solvents. Many
impurities which may have remained on the surface if a solvent were used in isolation are
also removed with the wax. The all hydrocarbon composition of the waxes mean that one is
not introducing halogens into their system.
Apiezon waxes are extensively used as protective coatings for printed circuits, ensuring
complete protection for the copper circuit from acid etching processes and air oxidation,
while enabling direct soldering through the wax.
Mounting media:
Apiezon waxes are excellent mounting media and are used extensively as both temporary and
permanent adhesives for the mounting of silicon chips.
To use as a mounting medium, either melt the wax and apply NEET (e.g. pure and in
concentrated undiluted form) to the surface or dissolve in a hydrocarbon or chlorinated
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 consistent thickness across its surface
rapidly rotate the chip and and a superior mounting surface will be created. The
SPI Supplies Model KW-4A Spin Coater is the ideal device for this kind of requirement.
How to Use:
Apply pre-melted wax to the required area using a glass rod, spatula or other such implement,
taking care not to exceed a temperature of 60°C above the
softening point of the wax.
To remove the wax after use heat to soften and scrape away. Any deposits can then be washed
with an organic solvent or removed using a vapor degreasing bath.
Further technical comments:
Apiezon Wax W is the first choice wax for
most situations, offering excellent joint sealing over the widest temperature range, the
most resistance to attack by acids and alkalis, the lowest vapor pressures, the most
resistance to water and for such a versatile wax, surprisingly the lowest cost when
purchased in the 1 kg block (e.g. SPI #05121B-AB).
Wax W is also available in 20g sticks offering faster application. A single stick being
simply heated at the site of application with a small blow torch, Bunsen burner, or
hot plate.
When to consider the other grades:
Wax W100 is inherently softer than Wax W thus reducing the risk of cracking glass joints
if they are subject to vibration. Wax W 40 is the softest of all the Apiezon waxes.
With a melting point of 45°C, it can be prepared in hot water for application to heat
sensitive joints.
For both higher temperature mounting media, as well as hot water soluble, instead of
hydrocarbon soluble mounting media, consider the
Crystalbond™ Mounting Adhesives.
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Sunday March 21, 2010
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