Nonvolatile Residue Solvent Replacement
Abstract
Control of contamination during processing and integration of spacecraft and launch vehicles is fundamental to ensuring mission performance and longevity. Molecular contamination, or nonvolatile residue (NVR), is limited by selection of materials and the control of procedures and facilities. Tests to diagnose NVR accretion in clean rooms and on spacecraft surfaces rely on toxic and ozone-depleting solvents (methylene chloride and 1,1,1 trichloroethane). This report documents literature review and laboratory experimentation to identify a replacement for these undesirable materials. Two clear candidates for a replacement NVR solvent emerge from the testing reviewed and reported here: ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate/cyclohexane azeotrope. For laboratory operations that must rely on procuring high purity solvents, pure ethyl acetate is recommended. For large laboratories that are equipped to purify their own solvents, the mixture is a good option.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA299286
Entities
People
- Graham S. Arnold
- Joseph C. Uht
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation