Introducing Stabilant 22

Stabilant 22 is an initially non-conductive block polymer that when used in a thin film within contacts switches to a conductive state under the effect of the electrical field. The field gradient at which this occurs is set such that the material will remain nonconductive between adjacent contacts in a multiple pin connector environment.

Thus, Stabilant 22 provides the connection reliability of a soldered joint without bonding the contacting surfaces together!

Contacts are generally the weakest link in any piece of electrical/electronic equipment whether it be in low current devices found in computers or higher current circuits found in automotive and aviation applications, to name only a few. The use of Stabilant 22 or its isopropanol diluted form, Stabilant 22A, will make contacts up to 100 times more reliable, eliminating costly service call-backs and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Stabilant products (Stabilant 22 / 22A / 22E) are used on contacts to provide a resident, long-life, contact enhancement treatment which does not involve the use of any CFCs. or any other ozone-depleting solvents.

Because Stabilant 22 is environmentally safe, and serves as a one-application, resident treatment, a small amount can replace many times the volume of cleaning solvents with a consequent major improvement in the environmental burden of manufacturing and service.

Stabilant 22 itself, being non-volatile, is not an ODC (Ozone Depleting Chemical) , nor are any ODCs (such as CFCs, and to a lesser degree, HCFCs) used in the manufacture of Stabilant products. We do not supply Stabilant products diluted by or propelled using any CFCs or HCFC's - they are not available in pressurized spray cans.

Having a very low vapor pressure and a resistance to crosslinking effects caused by the presence of curing agents or accelerants in both elastomers and thermoset plastics used in electronics, Stabilant-treated contacts often last longer than the design life of the electronic equipment on which they are used.

How safe are Stabilant products?

The concentrate, Stabilant 22, has extremely low toxicity. The isopropanol diluted form, Stabilant 22A and the ethanol diluted form, 22E have, very low toxicity - mostly due to the choice of alcohol.

In the quantities used in electronics manufacture and/or service in a space having normal ventilation, it is doubtful that the concentration of isopropanol could reach even a minor irritant level - unless very large quantities of the material were spilled. As Stabilant 22A is usually applied from a 15 or 50 mL dropper bottle, the amount of isopropyl alcohol available for vaporization is so small as to be a non-hazard.

What other desirable attributes does Stabilant 22 possess?

Stabilant 22 has excellent lubricating properties making it ideal for use in such applications as switches, potentiometers, slip rings, and tunable microwave cavities.

When applied, a Stabilant film retains an ability to keep contaminants (including corrosion byproducts) in suspension, away from the metal contact surfaces. This effectively makes small signal electronic connections much less susceptible to thin film rectification effects (which can produce R.F. demodulation in poorly shielded circuits).

Because of its broad temperature tolerance (from -70°C to near +200°C) Stabilant 22 has found wide application in electronic equipment used in severe temperature environments.

How long have Stabilant products been in use?