Improved Perfluorinated Water-Displacement Formulation and Process

The objective of the proposed program is to develop improved formulations, and supporting process equipment, for the displacement of water from cleaned precision parts that can not be dried by traditional means. Solutions of a high molecular weight non-ionic fluorinated surfactant in a highly fluorinated liquid are promising candidates for this application, and are expected to have the following attributes: a. Rapid displacement of water from the surfaces, including recessed cavities, of the parts being dried. b. Rapid desorption of the water displacement surfactant by subsequent rinsing in fluorinated liquid to nonsignificant residual levels. c. Be noncorrosive and capatible with the majority of materials of construction used in the manufacture of electronic and precision-engineered parts. d. Exhibit zero ozone depletion potential. These formulations should also be effective in terms of removing particulate contaminants that may be present on these parts. Candidate formulations would be examined. The parameters that would be investigated include the structure, molecular weight, and concentration of the non-ionic fluorcarbon surfactants, and the composition of the carrier liquid. Feasibililty tests would be performed with the most promising formulation on actual electronic and precision-engineered parts of interest to the Air Force.