Apiezon FAQs
How easy is it to apply or remove Apiezon vacuum greases? Can Apiezon waxes be used as a permanent vacuum seal? Who manufactures Apiezon?
Find out more using the FAQs below:
Apiezon Company/General FAQs
Q: Do Apiezon offer a food-grade grease or lubricant?
A: Yes, Apiezon PFPE 501 is certified by NSF as a H1 compliant food-grade grease / lubricant.
Q: Are Apiezon products silicone-free?
A: Yes, all Apiezon products are totally free of silicone.
Q: Are Apiezon products RoHS compliant?
A: All Apiezon products are RoHS compliant. Statement on Directive 2011/65/EU & 2015/863 – All of the Apiezon products are fully RoHS compliant. None contain PBB, PBDE, Deca-BDE or are formulated using lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium. In addition to this, the Apiezon products do not contain DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP which are restricted as per Directive 2015/863. The heavy metal contents are shown in the table below.
| Product | Lead | Mercury | Cadmium | Chromium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ppm | ppm | ppm | ppm | |
| L | <1 | <1 | <1 | <1 |
| M | <1 | <1 | <1 | <1 |
| N | <1 | <1 | <1 | <1 |
| AP100 | <1 | <1 | <1 | 1 |
| H | <2 | <1 | <1 | <1 |
| T | <2 | <2 | <2 | <2 |
| AP101 | 4 | <1 | <1 | 1 |
| AP201 | <1 | <1 | <1 | <1 |
| J | <1 | <1 | <1 | <1 |
| K | <2 | <2 | <2 | <2 |
| W | <7 | <7 | <7 | <7 |
| W40 | <4 | <4 | <4 | <4 |
| W100 | <4 | <4 | <4 | <4 |
| Q | <20 | <10 | <5 | <20 |
Q: What is the shelf life of the Apiezon product range?
A: The shelf life of all Apiezon products is ten years from the date of manufacture in the original unopened packaging stored at ambient (10 to 30°C) temperatures. If you provide us with the six-digit batch number printed on the outer packaging (e.g. 023456) we can tell you the date of manufacture.
Q: Where can I find information about Apiezon pack sizes?
A: Please visit the relevant product page for packaging details, or go to the Products home page to select a product.
Q: Can I buy Apiezon directly from the Apiezon website?
A: Customers based in the UK and Europe can now also buy small quantities of Apiezon greases, Wax W sticks and Sealing Compound Q direct from our APIEZON SHOP
Q: Where can I buy Apiezon products?
A: Apiezon products are sold via a global network of distributors. See our Global Distributor pages. Customers based in the UK and Europe can now also buy small quantities of Apiezon greases, Wax W sticks and Sealing Compound Q direct from our APIEZON SHOP.
Q: I am interested in learning more about Apiezon, what should I do next?
A: Please contact our expert team who will answer all your Apiezon questions. Tel: +44 (0)161 864 5409 or complete our enquiry form
Q: Who is M&I Materials Limited?
A: M&I Materials Limited is a global manufacturer specialising in materials for industry and science. Please visit www.mimaterials.com
Q: Who manufacture Apiezon products?
A: M&I Materials Limited based in the UK manufacture Apiezon products.
Apiezon FAQs By Product
- All
- Apiezon H Grease FAQs
- Apiezon N Grease FAQs
- Apiezon Q Compound FAQs
- Apiezon Wax W FAQs
- Apiezon PFPE 501 Grease FAQs
Apiezon AP100 Grease FAQs
Q: What happens to Apiezon greases above their melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from Apiezon H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive. The melting point of Apiezon PFPE 501 is higher than its 250°C operating temperature limit, which should not be exceeded (see respective Safety Data Sheet).
Q: I manufacture edible products – what is the best grease to use?
A: You may now use Apiezon PFPE 501 where incidental food contact may occur, such as to lubricate chains or other machinery parts. The content in the final product must not exceed 10ppm (parts per million).
Q: Do Apiezon greases show luminescence under UV radiation?
A: With the exception of Apiezon PFPE 501, all of the Apiezon greases show blue luminescence. Full details are in the paper “Long-Lived luminescence from commonly used Apiezon compounds” D.W Cooke, B.L. Bennett. Journal of Luminescence 65:1996. A copy is available on request.
Q: Are Apiezon greases resistant to radiation?
A: Apiezon L and M greases show a degree of radiation resistance with only a comparatively small increase in stiffness after irradiation with 4 MeV electrons to a level of about 1 MGy. After this exposure the lubrication properties of the grease are still satisfactory and this is true at even higher levels of irradiation, although the stiffness increases more rapidly.
At high levels of irradiation small quantities of gases, (mainly methane and ethylene) are evolved so that the grease loses its very low vapour pressure characteristics. Nevertheless Apiezon greases L and M are markedly better lubricants at high irradiation levels than other high vacuum lubricants such as silicones, esters and halogenated products.
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: Are Apiezon hydrocarbon greases resistant to acidic vapours or chlorine?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases are all based on molecularly distilled hydrocarbons and as such will show a high degree of resistance to acidic reagents and chlorine.
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon hydrocarbon oils and greases?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases and oils are silicone-free and are compatible with a wide range of o-ring materials including viton, silicone, nitrile (>30% nitrile content), nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to their hydrocarbon formulation they are not compatible with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), Butyl rubber and PVC seals.
Q: What is the shelf life of an opened Apiezon container?
A: The complex chemical structure of Apiezon greases gives them strong ‘gettering’ properties, this means that they will readily absorb airborne vapours particularly water, and other hydrocarbons. If volatile vapours are absorbed then the greases will lose their excellent vapour pressure characteristics until these contaminants have been outgassed.
This is why we pack the greases in ‘vapour-proof’ aluminium tubes. As we have no control over the use of the greases once they have been opened we cannot quote a shelf life for the products after opening. Practically, however, if care is taken in re-capping the tubes immediately after use and they are not exposed to volatiles then a long service life should not be a problem.
Apart from absorption of volatiles the products are stable and no other changes would be anticipated in the long term. Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and hence is highly inert and less likely to absorb airborne vapours than the hydrocarbon greases.
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Apiezon AP101 Grease FAQs
Q: What happens to Apiezon greases above their melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from Apiezon H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive. The melting point of Apiezon PFPE 501 is higher than its 250°C operating temperature limit, which should not be exceeded (see respective Safety Data Sheet).
Q: I manufacture edible products – what is the best grease to use?
A: You may now use Apiezon PFPE 501 where incidental food contact may occur, such as to lubricate chains or other machinery parts. The content in the final product must not exceed 10ppm (parts per million).
Q: Do Apiezon greases show luminescence under UV radiation?
A: With the exception of Apiezon PFPE 501, all of the Apiezon greases show blue luminescence. Full details are in the paper “Long-Lived luminescence from commonly used Apiezon compounds” D.W Cooke, B.L. Bennett. Journal of Luminescence 65:1996. A copy is available on request.
Q: Are Apiezon greases resistant to radiation?
A: Apiezon L and M greases show a degree of radiation resistance with only a comparatively small increase in stiffness after irradiation with 4 MeV electrons to a level of about 1 MGy. After this exposure the lubrication properties of the grease are still satisfactory and this is true at even higher levels of irradiation, although the stiffness increases more rapidly.
At high levels of irradiation small quantities of gases, (mainly methane and ethylene) are evolved so that the grease loses its very low vapour pressure characteristics. Nevertheless Apiezon greases L and M are markedly better lubricants at high irradiation levels than other high vacuum lubricants such as silicones, esters and halogenated products.
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: Are Apiezon hydrocarbon greases resistant to acidic vapours or chlorine?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases are all based on molecularly distilled hydrocarbons and as such will show a high degree of resistance to acidic reagents and chlorine.
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon hydrocarbon oils and greases?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases and oils are silicone-free and are compatible with a wide range of o-ring materials including viton, silicone, nitrile (>30% nitrile content), nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to their hydrocarbon formulation they are not compatible with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), Butyl rubber and PVC seals.
Q: What is the shelf life of an opened Apiezon container?
A: The complex chemical structure of Apiezon greases gives them strong ‘gettering’ properties, this means that they will readily absorb airborne vapours particularly water, and other hydrocarbons. If volatile vapours are absorbed then the greases will lose their excellent vapour pressure characteristics until these contaminants have been outgassed.
This is why we pack the greases in ‘vapour-proof’ aluminium tubes. As we have no control over the use of the greases once they have been opened we cannot quote a shelf life for the products after opening. Practically, however, if care is taken in re-capping the tubes immediately after use and they are not exposed to volatiles then a long service life should not be a problem.
Apart from absorption of volatiles the products are stable and no other changes would be anticipated in the long term. Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and hence is highly inert and less likely to absorb airborne vapours than the hydrocarbon greases.
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Apiezon H Grease FAQs
Q: What happens to Apiezon greases above their melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from Apiezon H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive. The melting point of Apiezon PFPE 501 is higher than its 250°C operating temperature limit, which should not be exceeded (see respective Safety Data Sheet).
Q: I manufacture edible products – what is the best grease to use?
A: You may now use Apiezon PFPE 501 where incidental food contact may occur, such as to lubricate chains or other machinery parts. The content in the final product must not exceed 10ppm (parts per million).
Q: Do Apiezon greases show luminescence under UV radiation?
A: With the exception of Apiezon PFPE 501, all of the Apiezon greases show blue luminescence. Full details are in the paper “Long-Lived luminescence from commonly used Apiezon compounds” D.W Cooke, B.L. Bennett. Journal of Luminescence 65:1996. A copy is available on request.
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: Are Apiezon hydrocarbon greases resistant to acidic vapours or chlorine?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases are all based on molecularly distilled hydrocarbons and as such will show a high degree of resistance to acidic reagents and chlorine.
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon hydrocarbon oils and greases?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases and oils are silicone-free and are compatible with a wide range of o-ring materials including viton, silicone, nitrile (>30% nitrile content), nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to their hydrocarbon formulation they are not compatible with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), Butyl rubber and PVC seals.
Q: What is the shelf life of an opened Apiezon container?
A: The complex chemical structure of Apiezon greases gives them strong ‘gettering’ properties, this means that they will readily absorb airborne vapours particularly water, and other hydrocarbons. If volatile vapours are absorbed then the greases will lose their excellent vapour pressure characteristics until these contaminants have been outgassed.
This is why we pack the greases in ‘vapour-proof’ aluminium tubes. As we have no control over the use of the greases once they have been opened we cannot quote a shelf life for the products after opening. Practically, however, if care is taken in re-capping the tubes immediately after use and they are not exposed to volatiles then a long service life should not be a problem.
Apart from absorption of volatiles the products are stable and no other changes would be anticipated in the long term. Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and hence is highly inert and less likely to absorb airborne vapours than the hydrocarbon greases.
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Apiezon L Grease FAQs
Q: What happens to Apiezon greases above their melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from Apiezon H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive. The melting point of Apiezon PFPE 501 is higher than its 250°C operating temperature limit, which should not be exceeded (see respective Safety Data Sheet).
Q: I manufacture edible products – what is the best grease to use?
A: You may now use Apiezon PFPE 501 where incidental food contact may occur, such as to lubricate chains or other machinery parts. The content in the final product must not exceed 10ppm (parts per million).
Q: Do Apiezon greases show luminescence under UV radiation?
A: With the exception of Apiezon PFPE 501, all of the Apiezon greases show blue luminescence. Full details are in the paper “Long-Lived luminescence from commonly used Apiezon compounds” D.W Cooke, B.L. Bennett. Journal of Luminescence 65:1996. A copy is available on request.
Q: Are Apiezon greases resistant to radiation?
A: Apiezon L and M greases show a degree of radiation resistance with only a comparatively small increase in stiffness after irradiation with 4 MeV electrons to a level of about 1 MGy. After this exposure the lubrication properties of the grease are still satisfactory and this is true at even higher levels of irradiation, although the stiffness increases more rapidly.
At high levels of irradiation small quantities of gases, (mainly methane and ethylene) are evolved so that the grease loses its very low vapour pressure characteristics. Nevertheless Apiezon greases L and M are markedly better lubricants at high irradiation levels than other high vacuum lubricants such as silicones, esters and halogenated products.
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: Are Apiezon hydrocarbon greases resistant to acidic vapours or chlorine?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases are all based on molecularly distilled hydrocarbons and as such will show a high degree of resistance to acidic reagents and chlorine.
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon hydrocarbon oils and greases?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases and oils are silicone-free and are compatible with a wide range of o-ring materials including viton, silicone, nitrile (>30% nitrile content), nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to their hydrocarbon formulation they are not compatible with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), Butyl rubber and PVC seals.
Q: What is the shelf life of an opened Apiezon container?
A: The complex chemical structure of Apiezon greases gives them strong ‘gettering’ properties, this means that they will readily absorb airborne vapours particularly water, and other hydrocarbons. If volatile vapours are absorbed then the greases will lose their excellent vapour pressure characteristics until these contaminants have been outgassed.
This is why we pack the greases in ‘vapour-proof’ aluminium tubes. As we have no control over the use of the greases once they have been opened we cannot quote a shelf life for the products after opening. Practically, however, if care is taken in re-capping the tubes immediately after use and they are not exposed to volatiles then a long service life should not be a problem.
Apart from absorption of volatiles the products are stable and no other changes would be anticipated in the long term. Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and hence is highly inert and less likely to absorb airborne vapours than the hydrocarbon greases.
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Apiezon M Grease FAQs
Q: What happens to Apiezon greases above their melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from Apiezon H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive. The melting point of Apiezon PFPE 501 is higher than its 250°C operating temperature limit, which should not be exceeded (see respective Safety Data Sheet).
Q: I manufacture edible products – what is the best grease to use?
A: You may now use Apiezon PFPE 501 where incidental food contact may occur, such as to lubricate chains or other machinery parts. The content in the final product must not exceed 10ppm (parts per million).
Q: Do Apiezon greases show luminescence under UV radiation?
A: With the exception of Apiezon PFPE 501, all of the Apiezon greases show blue luminescence. Full details are in the paper “Long-Lived luminescence from commonly used Apiezon compounds” D.W Cooke, B.L. Bennett. Journal of Luminescence 65:1996. A copy is available on request.
Q: Are Apiezon greases resistant to radiation?
A: Apiezon L and M greases show a degree of radiation resistance with only a comparatively small increase in stiffness after irradiation with 4 MeV electrons to a level of about 1 MGy. After this exposure the lubrication properties of the grease are still satisfactory and this is true at even higher levels of irradiation, although the stiffness increases more rapidly.
At high levels of irradiation small quantities of gases, (mainly methane and ethylene) are evolved so that the grease loses its very low vapour pressure characteristics. Nevertheless Apiezon greases L and M are markedly better lubricants at high irradiation levels than other high vacuum lubricants such as silicones, esters and halogenated products.
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: Are Apiezon hydrocarbon greases resistant to acidic vapours or chlorine?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases are all based on molecularly distilled hydrocarbons and as such will show a high degree of resistance to acidic reagents and chlorine.
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon hydrocarbon oils and greases?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases and oils are silicone-free and are compatible with a wide range of o-ring materials including viton, silicone, nitrile (>30% nitrile content), nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to their hydrocarbon formulation they are not compatible with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), Butyl rubber and PVC seals.
Q: What is the shelf life of an opened Apiezon container?
A: The complex chemical structure of Apiezon greases gives them strong ‘gettering’ properties, this means that they will readily absorb airborne vapours particularly water, and other hydrocarbons. If volatile vapours are absorbed then the greases will lose their excellent vapour pressure characteristics until these contaminants have been outgassed.
This is why we pack the greases in ‘vapour-proof’ aluminium tubes. As we have no control over the use of the greases once they have been opened we cannot quote a shelf life for the products after opening. Practically, however, if care is taken in re-capping the tubes immediately after use and they are not exposed to volatiles then a long service life should not be a problem.
Apart from absorption of volatiles the products are stable and no other changes would be anticipated in the long term. Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and hence is highly inert and less likely to absorb airborne vapours than the hydrocarbon greases.
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Apiezon N Grease FAQs
Q: What happens to Apiezon greases above their melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from Apiezon H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive. The melting point of Apiezon PFPE 501 is higher than its 250°C operating temperature limit, which should not be exceeded (see respective Safety Data Sheet).
Q: I manufacture edible products – what is the best grease to use?
A: You may now use Apiezon PFPE 501 where incidental food contact may occur, such as to lubricate chains or other machinery parts. The content in the final product must not exceed 10ppm (parts per million).
Q: Do Apiezon greases show luminescence under UV radiation?
A: With the exception of Apiezon PFPE 501, all of the Apiezon greases show blue luminescence. Full details are in the paper “Long-Lived luminescence from commonly used Apiezon compounds” D.W Cooke, B.L. Bennett. Journal of Luminescence 65:1996. A copy is available on request.
Q: Are Apiezon greases resistant to radiation?
A: Apiezon L and M greases show a degree of radiation resistance with only a comparatively small increase in stiffness after irradiation with 4 MeV electrons to a level of about 1 MGy. After this exposure the lubrication properties of the grease are still satisfactory and this is true at even higher levels of irradiation, although the stiffness increases more rapidly.
At high levels of irradiation small quantities of gases, (mainly methane and ethylene) are evolved so that the grease loses its very low vapour pressure characteristics. Nevertheless Apiezon greases L and M are markedly better lubricants at high irradiation levels than other high vacuum lubricants such as silicones, esters and halogenated products.
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: Are Apiezon hydrocarbon greases resistant to acidic vapours or chlorine?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases are all based on molecularly distilled hydrocarbons and as such will show a high degree of resistance to acidic reagents and chlorine.
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon hydrocarbon oils and greases?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases and oils are silicone-free and are compatible with a wide range of o-ring materials including viton, silicone, nitrile (>30% nitrile content), nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to their hydrocarbon formulation they are not compatible with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), Butyl rubber and PVC seals.
Q: What is the shelf life of an opened Apiezon container?
A: The complex chemical structure of Apiezon greases gives them strong ‘gettering’ properties, this means that they will readily absorb airborne vapours particularly water, and other hydrocarbons. If volatile vapours are absorbed then the greases will lose their excellent vapour pressure characteristics until these contaminants have been outgassed.
This is why we pack the greases in ‘vapour-proof’ aluminium tubes. As we have no control over the use of the greases once they have been opened we cannot quote a shelf life for the products after opening. Practically, however, if care is taken in re-capping the tubes immediately after use and they are not exposed to volatiles then a long service life should not be a problem.
Apart from absorption of volatiles the products are stable and no other changes would be anticipated in the long term. Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and hence is highly inert and less likely to absorb airborne vapours than the hydrocarbon greases.
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Q: What happens to Apiezon N grease above its melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive
Apiezon PFPE 501 Grease FAQs
Q: What happens to Apiezon greases above their melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from Apiezon H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive. The melting point of Apiezon PFPE 501 is higher than its 250°C operating temperature limit, which should not be exceeded (see respective Safety Data Sheet).
Q: Has the Apiezon PFPE 501 formulation changed to make it food-grade compliant for NSF H1 certification?
A: No, there has been no change to the formulation of Apiezon PFPE 501.
Q: Do Apiezon offer a food-grade grease or lubricant?
A: Yes, Apiezon PFPE 501 is certified by NSF as a H1 compliant food-grade grease / lubricant.
Q: Do Apiezon greases show luminescence under UV radiation?
A: With the exception of Apiezon PFPE 501, all of the Apiezon greases show blue luminescence. Full details are in the paper “Long-Lived luminescence from commonly used Apiezon compounds” D.W Cooke, B.L. Bennett. Journal of Luminescence 65:1996. A copy is available on request.
Q: Are Apiezon greases resistant to radiation?
A: Apiezon L and M greases show a degree of radiation resistance with only a comparatively small increase in stiffness after irradiation with 4 MeV electrons to a level of about 1 MGy. After this exposure the lubrication properties of the grease are still satisfactory and this is true at even higher levels of irradiation, although the stiffness increases more rapidly.
At high levels of irradiation small quantities of gases, (mainly methane and ethylene) are evolved so that the grease loses its very low vapour pressure characteristics. Nevertheless Apiezon greases L and M are markedly better lubricants at high irradiation levels than other high vacuum lubricants such as silicones, esters and halogenated products.
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: Is Apiezon PFPE 501 grease resistant to acidic vapours or chlorine?
A: As Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based, it has extremely high resistance to all acids, solvents & corrosives with the exception of PFPE base oils and Lewis Acid catalysts.
Q: What is the shelf life of an opened Apiezon container?
A: The complex chemical structure of Apiezon greases gives them strong ‘gettering’ properties, this means that they will readily absorb airborne vapours particularly water, and other hydrocarbons. If volatile vapours are absorbed then the greases will lose their excellent vapour pressure characteristics until these contaminants have been outgassed.
This is why we pack the greases in ‘vapour-proof’ aluminium tubes. As we have no control over the use of the greases once they have been opened we cannot quote a shelf life for the products after opening. Practically, however, if care is taken in re-capping the tubes immediately after use and they are not exposed to volatiles then a long service life should not be a problem.
Apart from absorption of volatiles the products are stable and no other changes would be anticipated in the long term. Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and hence is highly inert and less likely to absorb airborne vapours than the hydrocarbon greases.
Q: How do I apply Apiezon PFPE 501?
A: Advice on the best practice for grease application can be found here >
Q: How do I clean off Apiezon PFPE 501?
A: Wipe off excess grease with a lint free cloth. Residual grease can be cleaned using a perfluorinated solvent. For stringent cleanliness a further stage using acetone is recommended.
Q: Is Apiezon PFPE 501 a hydrocarbon grease?
A: No, Apiezon PFPE 501 is a perfluoropolyether based grease.
Apiezon T Grease FAQs
Q: What happens to Apiezon greases above their melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from Apiezon H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive. The melting point of Apiezon PFPE 501 is higher than its 250°C operating temperature limit, which should not be exceeded (see respective Safety Data Sheet).
Q: I manufacture edible products – what is the best grease to use?
A: You may now use Apiezon PFPE 501 where incidental food contact may occur, such as to lubricate chains or other machinery parts. The content in the final product must not exceed 10ppm (parts per million).
Q: Do Apiezon greases show luminescence under UV radiation?
A: With the exception of Apiezon PFPE 501, all of the Apiezon greases show blue luminescence. Full details are in the paper “Long-Lived luminescence from commonly used Apiezon compounds” D.W Cooke, B.L. Bennett. Journal of Luminescence 65:1996. A copy is available on request.
Q: Are Apiezon greases resistant to radiation?
A: Apiezon L and M greases show a degree of radiation resistance with only a comparatively small increase in stiffness after irradiation with 4 MeV electrons to a level of about 1 MGy. After this exposure the lubrication properties of the grease are still satisfactory and this is true at even higher levels of irradiation, although the stiffness increases more rapidly.
At high levels of irradiation small quantities of gases, (mainly methane and ethylene) are evolved so that the grease loses its very low vapour pressure characteristics. Nevertheless Apiezon greases L and M are markedly better lubricants at high irradiation levels than other high vacuum lubricants such as silicones, esters and halogenated products.
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: Are Apiezon hydrocarbon greases resistant to acidic vapours or chlorine?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases are all based on molecularly distilled hydrocarbons and as such will show a high degree of resistance to acidic reagents and chlorine.
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon hydrocarbon oils and greases?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases and oils are silicone-free and are compatible with a wide range of o-ring materials including viton, silicone, nitrile (>30% nitrile content), nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to their hydrocarbon formulation they are not compatible with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), Butyl rubber and PVC seals.
Q: What is the shelf life of an opened Apiezon container?
A: The complex chemical structure of Apiezon greases gives them strong ‘gettering’ properties, this means that they will readily absorb airborne vapours particularly water, and other hydrocarbons. If volatile vapours are absorbed then the greases will lose their excellent vapour pressure characteristics until these contaminants have been outgassed.
This is why we pack the greases in ‘vapour-proof’ aluminium tubes. As we have no control over the use of the greases once they have been opened we cannot quote a shelf life for the products after opening. Practically, however, if care is taken in re-capping the tubes immediately after use and they are not exposed to volatiles then a long service life should not be a problem.
Apart from absorption of volatiles the products are stable and no other changes would be anticipated in the long term. Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and hence is highly inert and less likely to absorb airborne vapours than the hydrocarbon greases.
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Apiezon Company FAQs
Q: Do Apiezon offer a food-grade grease or lubricant?
A: Yes, Apiezon PFPE 501 is certified by NSF as a H1 compliant food-grade grease / lubricant.
Apiezon J Oil FAQs
Q: Are Apiezon greases suitable for use in an oxygen (or LOX) environment?
A: Due to the small risk of auto-ignition from hydrocarbon-based greases, PFPE 501 is the only product in the Apiezon range suitable for use in this application.
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon hydrocarbon oils and greases?
A: Apiezon hydrocarbon greases and oils are silicone-free and are compatible with a wide range of o-ring materials including viton, silicone, nitrile (>30% nitrile content), nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Due to their hydrocarbon formulation they are not compatible with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber), EPR (ethylene propylene rubber), Butyl rubber and PVC seals.
Apiezon Wax W FAQs
Q: Is Apiezon Wax W resistant to strong acid and alkali etch solutions?
A: Yes, it is widely used as an etch resist up to 75°C in all sorts of etchants including KOH, TMAH, EDP, HF, HNO3, NaOH.
Apiezon Q Compound FAQs
Q: How do I remove Apiezon Q compound?
A: Apiezon Q Compound will adhere to a wide range of surfaces including glass, metal, plastic, etc. yet it is simply removed by peeling away from the site of application.
Any residues of the product can be washed away with warm soapy water, by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene) or by using a vapour degreasing bath. Apiezon Sealing Compound Q is not soluble in alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK) so these cannot be used for cleaning.
Q: How do I apply Apiezon Q compound?
A: Apiezon Q compound is easily moulded by hand at ambient temperatures. When kneading or rolling Compound Q, care should be taken to ensure that hands and surfaces are clean in order to preserve the low vapour pressure characteristics of the product.
Apiezon FAQs By Applications
- All
- Apiezon for cryogenics applications
- Apiezon for etch resist applications
- Apiezon for food production applications
- Apiezon for laboratory applications
- Apiezon for mounting media applications
- Apiezon for o-ring seal applications
- Apiezon for short path distillation applications
- Apiezon for thermal interface material applications
- Apiezon for vapor booster pump applications
- Apiezon for lubrication applications
Apiezon for cryogenics applications
Q: What happens to Apiezon N grease above its melting point?
A: All the greases (apart from H grease) liquefy but then return to their normal state and properties on cooling, providing the temperature rise has not been excessive
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Apiezon for food production applications
Q: How do I apply Apiezon PFPE 501?
A: Advice on the best practice for grease application can be found here >
Q: How do I clean off Apiezon PFPE 501?
A: Wipe off excess grease with a lint free cloth. Residual grease can be cleaned using a perfluorinated solvent. For stringent cleanliness a further stage using acetone is recommended.
Apiezon for short path distillation applications
Q: How do I apply Apiezon PFPE 501?
A: Advice on the best practice for grease application can be found here >
Q: How do I clean off Apiezon PFPE 501?
A: Wipe off excess grease with a lint free cloth. Residual grease can be cleaned using a perfluorinated solvent. For stringent cleanliness a further stage using acetone is recommended.
Apiezon for thermal interface material applications
Q: Are Apiezon products silicone-free?
A: Yes, all Apiezon products are totally free of silicone.
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Q: Which Apiezon grease do I use as thermal interface material (TIM)?
A: That depends! Our hydrocarbon range is the first point of call for heat transfer applications. The basic properties (including thermal conductivity) of all the greases in this range can be found here.
The other big consideration is temperature – are you going to be taking the material above 30°C or below 10°C? If so then you need to select one of our specialist greases. This is likely to be Apiezon N grease for cold temperature applications or Apiezon H grease for high temperature. For more help on selecting the right product please contact our technical team.
Apiezon for damping applications
Q: How do you clean off Apiezon hydrocarbon greases?
A: Wipe off any excess grease with a soft clean lint free cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with warm soapy water or by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene). For a more environmentally friendly solvent, we recommend limonene. They cannot be cleaned using alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK).
Apiezon for o-ring seal applications
Q: What o-ring materials are compatible with Apiezon PFPE 501 grease?
A: Apiezon PFPE 501 is perfluoropolyether-based and is compatible with all commonly found plastics, rubbers and polymers.
Q: How should I apply grease to an o-ring?
A: Our advice is that you don’t always need to use grease with an o-ring if it fits properly and is completely clean. If you decide grease is necessary, clean the o-ring as much as possible before applying a thin film of grease.
The easiest way to do this is to apply a small amount of grease between two fingers with a gloved hand. Excess grease should then be wiped away to leave a very light smear that can be seen as a sheen on the o-ring.
Apiezon for etch resist applications
Q: How do I remove Apiezon W Wax used for etch resist applications?
A: To remove the wax after use, simply heat, soften and scrape away larger amounts. Any deposits can then be dissolved away by using any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (toluene, xylene), or removed using a vapour degreasing bath.
Apiezon waxes are not soluble in alcohols (ethanol, IPA) or ketones (acetone, MEK) so these cannot be used for cleaning.
Q: How do I apply Apiezon W Wax for etch resist applications?
Apply pre-melted wax to the required area using a glass rod, spatula or other similar implement, taking care not to exceed 60°C above the softening point of the wax shown in the table opposite. Alternatively dissolve the wax in a hydrocarbon 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 uniform thickness, rapidly rotate the chip and a superior mounting surface will be created.
Ask Apiezon
Do you have a technical question regarding Apiezon products?
CALL: +44 (0)161 864 5409
Ask Apiezon
Do you have a technical question regarding Apiezon products?
CALL: +44 (0)161 864 5409