Description
Coventry™ 12855 Zero-VOC Swelling Solvent provides outstanding swell characteristics for silicone tubing and components. It also can be used to clean and removes mold release compounds. This high-purity solvent was developed to swell silicone elastomers and tubing for fitment onto components, and then evaporate allowing the tubing to shrink back to its original dimensions. It does not contain any hazardous air pollutants while providing the swelling and dimensional return required for the most difficult jobs.
Coventry offers many advantages over alternative methods of attaching or bonding medical silicone tubing to a barbed connector:
Hot welding, hot bonding, thermal welding, thermal bonding
One method of attaching tubing to a connector is to apply heat, melting together the tube and connector material. The disadvantage of this method is it stresses and potentially weakens the connector, increasing the risk of breakage. In addition, plasticizers and other materials within the polymers could leach out
Solvent welding, solvent bonding
The solvent bonding method of attaching silicone tubing to a barbed connector involves using an aggressive solvent to partially break down or dissolve the materials. Once they harden, the tube and connector mechanically bond together. Similar to hot welding (above), the aggressive solvents can stress the parts. Rigid plastics can actually craze or crack as the solvents attack the material. In addition, most solvents used in this process are toxic to serious health concerns. Thorough ventilation is required to keep everyone safe. Entrapped solvent within the barbed areas of the connector after the bonding process is also a concern because it is a potential source of contamination.
Medical grade adhesive bonding Adhesives are available to bond connectors to tubing.
This method can be very effective but can slow the assembly process because of it takes to apply and cure the adhesive. In contrast to solvent welding, thermal bonding, and medical grade adhesive branding, Coventry Swelling Solvents have low toxicity, do not stress the components, do not risk contamination from extractables, and utilize a fast, efficient bonding process.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
-Swelling of platinum and peroxide cured silicone
-Solvent bonding of polymers including medical grade polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, and siloxane(polydimethylsiloxane)
-Silicone swells and returns to original state quickly and efficiently
-Powerful cleaning agent to machining fluids and oils, dirt, grease, dust and other contaminants
-Removes mold release compounds
-Zero VOC for greater regulatory compliance
-Evaporates quickly and leaves no residues, minimizes process time
-Safe on most plastics
-Noncorrosive, safe for sensitive metals
