What is Stabilant 22? 

        Stabilant 22 is an initially non-conductive block polymer which when used in a thin film between metal contacts becomes conductive under the effect of an electrical field. This occurs at an electric field gradient such that the material will remain non-conductive between adjacent contacts in a multiple pin environment. In addition, Stabilant 22 exhibits surfactant action, as well as lubrication ability providing a single component resident solution to virtually all contact problems.

        When applied to electromechanical contactsStabilant 22 can provide the connection reliability of a soldered joint without bonding the contact surfaces.

Where can Stabilant 22 be used?

        Stabilant 22 can be used in all types of connectors, at frequencies from to DC to several gigahertz, on fader's or potentiometer's, or in non-inductive (non-arcing) power-interrupt switches. The number of uses are almost limitless.

Is Stabilant 22 just another contact cleaner?

        No, Stabilant 22 is a resident potentially electrically active material which through a synergistic combination of effects enhances conductivity within a contact without causing leakage between adjacent contacts. Thus large quantities of the material do not have to be "hosed" on, as is the case with cleaners.

Is Stabilant 22 cost effective?

        As Stabilant 22 can be quickly applied to all contacts and connectors in a system, the often difficult diagnostic determination as to which one of many contacts are erratic, can often be eliminated. This can significantly reduce service time in the field and in many cases eliminates the need to return boards for shop service or remanufacturing. As any service manager knows, the diagnosis of electronic problems, especially where intermittent failures are concerned, is often much more difficult than the actual part replacement; as well as requiring service personnel of exceptional caliber. In many cases the use of Stabilants can thus increase the efficiency of existing staff as well as allowing many connector harness related problems to be handled at a much lower cost.

        Many of our users have reported savings of from $250 to $3000 as a result of using $3 to $5 of the material. In many electronic applications demodulation (detection) of RF signals in connectors exhibiting thin film rectification effects can either reduce the signal-to-noise ratio or introduce artifacts which can disrupt data flow. Stabilants can cure these problems.

        While Stabilants have demonstrated that they can cut the cost of both shop and field maintenance; their use in the manufacturing of electronic systems can speed up production as well as reducing rejections.

How does Stabilant 22 work?

        Contact failure is rarely caused by a single factor. Thus, treatments that solve only one problem don't necessarily offer a reliable long term solution. For example, cleaners do not prevent the re-entry of contaminants or the reformation of contaminant films; nor do they offer any lubrication. They must be used each time a connector gets dirty. Lubricants in themselves are rarely cleaners. Corrosion inhibitors are neither cleaners nor lubricants and are often specific to one type of metal or plating. Unsaturated oils used as contact treatments can cross-link under the influence of elastomer or thermoset plastic curing agents and accelerants.

        While resident in the connector, Stabilant 22 performs several concurrent functions. Its very presence in the contact gap will prevent the entry of outside contaminants. It has sufficient surfactant action to lift surface contaminants and hold them in suspension. In cases where corrosion products are present Stabilant 22 will penetrate them and prevent rectification effects. Due to its high dielectric constant it will act to form a capactive layer which is in parallel with whatever residual resistance exists in the contact increasing the passage of AC signals. Given sufficient DC bias within the gaps of the contact the thin film of Stabilant will "switch", conducting by quantum tunneling, and thus limit the resistance of the contact to a serviceable level.

In what forms is Stabilant available?

        The Stabilants are available in several forms. As a concentrate (Stabilant 22), an isopropyl alcohol-diluted form (Stabilant 22A), and an ethyl alcohol diluted form (Stabilant 22E). For example, a given size container of Stabilant 22A will cost about one-fifth the amount of a container of Stabilant 22 as it contains only one-fifth the amount of the concentrate. Another form of packaging is available. Stabilant 22S packages the concentrate such that it occupies one-fifth the volume of an otherwise empty container. This allows the end-user to add his own diluant, and thus saves the added costs of shipping the diluant (e.g.: isopropyl alcohol), as well as allowing the end-user to use an alternate diluant such as one of the Freon-based solvents.

        In addition a 0.5 ml vial of Stabilant 22A is available for manufacturers to include with digital cameras/lenses

What is the difference in use of these materials?

        Stabilant 22 is most useful where the connections are out in the open - such as card-edge connectors or where the lubricating properties of the material are useful -such as an aid to installing microprocessor IC's or on switches. Where the connections are not too easy to get at or where the user wishes to apply the material to something such as a socketed IC (without removing the IC from its socket), it is easier to use the alcohol diluted form (Stabilant 22A or Stabilant 22E). The alcohol diluant serves ONLY to carry the concentrate into the connector.

What packaging is available?

        Many manufacturers make large volume purchases, diluting the material for specific applicators used on their production lines. We can supply the concentrate (Stabilant 22), in 0.5 mL, 15 ml, 5O mL, lOO mL, 25O mL, 5OO mL and 1 Liter bottles. The dilute (Stabilant 22A or Stabilant 22E, the latter which is available in a limited number of bottle sizes except on special order), are available in 5O mL, lOO mL, 25O mL and 5OO mL containers. We do not have a 1 liter container of the dilute as 500 mL is the largest size bottle that can be shipped by air (in single or multiple packages) without additional restrictions. We maintain our stock in depth and ship most orders the next day that they are received. (On large quantities , more time may be required) For companies which want to use the material as a stock store item, we can produce custom labels with your part or stock number. The 15 mL sizes are in dropper bottles, and these are available on request for the 50 mL sizes as well.

        Custom labeling has been provided for many manufacturers who wish to assign their own stock control number, or to distributors who wish to market the product under their own logo. Obviously this requires purchase in of the product in suitable quantities.

Is it available in a spray can?

        No. Why waste the material? We would like to think we are environmentally responsible and safety conscious. This ruled out the use of either a chlorofluorocarbon or highly inflammable mixture of butane and propane as a propellant.

        In addition even Stabilant 22A for example, has only about 7/1200th the solvent impact as conventional contact cleaning solvents, over a three year time span. As Stabilant 22 contains no solvent it has absolutely minimal environmental impact and is, therefore, becoming the treatment of choice for many service organizations!

Just how much should be used?

        Normally, a final film thickness of from 0.5 to 2 mils of the concentrate is all that it necessary. In other words, you want just enough to fill up the interstices between the contact's faces. When using Stabilant 22A, or Stabilant 22E, use enough so that once the isopropyl alcohol (or ethyl alcohol), evaporates the desired 0.5 to 2 mil film of Stabilant 22 remains.

What is the 15 ml service kit?

        This was made up at the request of several manufacturers who wanted a standard kit that they could issue to their service personnel. It consists of a 15 ml dropper bottle of Stabilant 22A and some applicators, all in a small capped cardboard tube that can be tossed into a tool box without damage. As noted, we can provide these kits with special labels when large volume orders are involved.

How can I be sure that Stabilant works?

        The best way to find out just how well it works is to try it out; that's why we have samples available. Almost every service shop or manufacturer has equipment available where the switches or connectors have become erratic over the years. Use Stabilant 22/22A/22E on them and satisfy yourself. A word of caution. Don't try to evaluate Stabilant 22's performance on brand new connectors. Instead, use it on connectors that are corroded, or dirty or just plain unreliable. We are sure that any organization dealing
with electronics will have at least one piece of unreliable equipment on which the Stabilants
can be tested!

What is the effect of Stabilant in Digital Cameras that use interchangible lenses?

        Generally, it makes a better snd reliable electrical connecton between the lens contacts and the camera body. The consequence is in consistant reliability in exposures and focussing  especially were automatic settings are employed.  The left picture shows a Nikon D70^TM camera and beside is a Sigma^TM interchangible zoom lens. Note that when you click on the bicture, the enlarged picture clearly shows the contacts on the lens barrel.

        The best way of application is to apply it to the electrical contacts in the lens. It should not be applied to the mating contacts on the camera's body as it is too easy to get an accumulation. We reccomend the use of a Microbrush^TM or the equivalant. Avoid the use of swabs as they may not be lint free.

OTHER DATA (Excluded from waiver at end of MSDS)

Heavy Metals: D.W. Electrochemicals Ltd. has a policy of not allowing any intentional addition of any heavy
metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium, or their compounds, to be used
in inks or in the labels on our packaging and requires the total concentration of these materials,
if present, to be so at a level of less than 100 parts per million and we so certify.

RoHS Legislation Artical 4(1) pertaining to Heavy Metals in Stabilants and other prohibited components:
D.W. Electrochemicals Ltd. has a policy of not allowing any addition of any heavy metals, such as lead,
cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium, or their compounds, to be used in the Stabilants and
requires the total concentration of these materials, if present, to be so at a level of
less than 100 parts per million and we so certify.

Ozone Depleting Chemicals: Because of our corporate opposition to the use of ODC's either in the
manufacture of, or as an inclusion in any of our products, D.W. Electrochemicals Ltd.
has consistently refused to provide any of our products in aerosol spray packaging
and/or to supply any of our materials diluted with any Class 1 ODC, and we so certify.

PCB's: We certify that this material has been subjected to tests capable of detecting PCB's to a level
of less than 2 parts per million and no PCB's have been found.

Packaging: New standards are in place in an attempt to reduce the amount of plastics, tape
and/or adhesives used and  to ensure that our packaging may be reused or recycled.

MSDS PREPARATION DATA & EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER

     Prepared By: Wm Wright
     Department: Engineering
     Preparation Date: Aug 24th,  2005
     Current Revision: Revision 0, for inclusion in web site
     Emergency Phone: (905) 508-7500
     Emergency Contact: Wm Wright

©1997 D. W. Electrochemicals Ltd. This note may be reproduced or copied, provided its content is not altered. The term "contact enhancer" © 1983 Wright Electroacoustics.

15 mL Stabilant 22 has NATO Stock Number 5999-21-909-9981

D.W. Electrochemicals Ltd. urges each customer or recipient of this MSDS to study it carefully to become
aware of/and understand the hazards associated with the product. The reader should consider consulting
reference works or individuals who are experts in ventilation, toxicology or fire prevention, as necessary
or appropriate to use and understand the data contained in this MSDS.

To promote safe use and handling of this product, each customer or recipient should (1) notify employees,
agents, contractors and others who may use this material, of the information in this MSDS and
any other information regarding hazards or safety, (2) Furnish this same information to each customer
for the product, and (3) request customers to notify their employees, customers, and other users of the
product of this information.

The information and recommendations contained herein are based on data believed to be correct,
however no guarantee or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made
with respect to information and recommendations contained herein except where certified.
 

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