ACETONE: Dope thinner, both Nitrate and Butyrate.
Boiling range is 130- 134F.
Flash point is OF (!).
This is a very dangerous and underrated solvent. Store it in sealed, solvent proof, containers (min. volume), in a cool place, away from ignition sources such as a furnace or gas tank heaters. Do not store in a refrigerator. Accumulated fumes can be ignited from a spark from the exposed door switch. Underwriter's Labs have confirmed home explosions from flammable solvents stored in refrigerators. Historical example: Montreal, in the 1940's, in a hobby shop owned by Paul Verdier (Canadian Wakefield Champ). His assistant, at night, alone, was doping a plane, while smoking a cigarette. The open dope and thinner cans burned and exploded. The modeler was burned so badly he was hospitalized for one year. The hobby shop, of course, was destroyed.
Toxicity- Acetone is a mild narcotic, skin irritant and has a de-fatting action on the skin. Prolonged inhalation may cause headaches. Use with gloves and eye protection in ventilated area. Storage- Use minimum volume containers, either HDPE (High density polyethylene) or PP (Polypropylene). They have low vapor transmission, minimizing evaporation.
METHYL Alcohol (Methanol, Wood alcohol)
Boiling point= 146-153F
Flash point (open cup)= 52F
It is the base of glow fuel, invented by Ray Arden in 1948. Toxicity- It has distinct narcotic properties. It is a cumulative poison, affecting the nervous system, especially the optic nerve, causing optic neuritis and blindness. It is an irritant to mucous membranes and skin can become dry and cracked due to the solvent action.
Isopropyl Alcohol- (Isopropanol)
Boiling point= 175-178F
Flash point (open cup)= 67F
Toxicity- Not rated as a toxic compound.
It is an irritant to mucous membranes and eyes and is a mild narcotic. Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of 70% Isopropanol and 30% water. It is stored in bottles made from HDPE (Hi density polyethylene) which has a low vapor transmission and minimizes evaporation. It is an excellent industrial degreaser. I have used it successfully for decades at both General Electric And General Motors to clean both metal and polymer surfaces prior to adhesive bonding. The mold release on carbon fiber surfaces can be cleaned with Isopropanol, plus a mild sanding with sandpaper. Its flammability is one of its drawbacks. It should be stored in small volume containers, either of HOPE or PP (Polypropylene)
Nitromethane- Main additive to Methanol Glow Fuel.
It is the debonding agent for Cyanoacrylate adhesive. (Acetone is also a debonder for C/Y.)
It is flammable with a slight toxic hazard rating.
It too is stored in either HDPE or PP bottles. Storage bottles- The 35mm Fuji film cassette container is PP. It is white, translucent/waxy, with low vapor transmission, minimizing evaporation. I use them for acetone and isopropanol. Acetone, in my indoor toolbox, has lasted over one year with min. evaporation. I use it for debonding Duco joints and for thinning Duco to make indoor cement. Good brush cleaner for dope. This container holds exactly one fluid ounce, thus minimizing any fluid spill losses. Camping stores carry a bottle called NALGENE. It is a HDPE with a PP screw on cap. These are available in 250cc, 500cc, 1000cc (1-liter) and 2-liter sizes. Good for general storage. Do not store alcohols in metal containers. Alcohol has a very high water absorption which will cause rusting. This is one reason why alcohol/gasoline car fuels can cause gas tank corrosion, even though the gas tank is coated with a lead (Terne plate) coating. The Corvette uses a polymer gas tank, covered with a metal sheath. |