What is 3M Novec?
3M™ Novec™ is a brand of advanced specialty fluids developed by 3M used for coating, cleaning and lubrication.They are known as 3M Novec Engineered Fluids are a series of non-conductive, non-flammable, low-viscosity liquids that offer a range of unique properties and applications. Novec fluids offer a wide margin of safety, low GWP and zero ODP with excellent performance.
Product lines of 3M Novec
3M Novec Engineer Fluids are appropriate for a variety of uses that require cleaning, heat transfer, and other applications. These fluids possess a broad spectrum of boiling points, low viscosity, and high dielectric strength.
3M™ Novec™ Aerosol Cleaners are 95% active solvent with excellent cleaning performance. It is non-corrosive and non-conductive, penetrates deep into tight spaces, is fast drying and leaves no residue.
3M Novec Electronic Grade Coatings: protect sensitive electronics against harmful factors with a very thin layer. They provide excellent anti-wetting, anti-stiction, anti-migration and anti-corrosion properties.
3M™ Novec™ Insulating Gases are being used in cutting-edge gas-insulated lines and gas-insulated power equipment, helping electrical power industry leaders meet their goals for a sustainable future.
Various industries can benefit from the applications of 3M Novec
- Aerospace, Aviation and Military
- Medical Devices:
- Automotive & Transportation
- Data Center and Telecommunications
- Electronics
- Film Cleaning
- Semiconductor
- Marine
Some typical Novec products:
3M Novec phase-out at the end of 2025
“On December 20, 2022, announced it plans to exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue use of PFAS in its product portfolio by the end of 2025. This portfolio decision is based on careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of the external landscape, including multiple factors such as accelerating regulatory trends focused on reducing or eliminating the presence of PFAS in the environment and changing stakeholder expectations.”
Restrictive regulations being reviewed by environmental agencies on the use of PFAS are just one of the reasons why 3M phase out Novec. 3M also faces global supply challenges, along with strong industry demand exceding current capacity. All of this result in a worldwide shortage of 3M Novec solvents as well as escalating prices for this solvent line.
Read more: Discontinue 3M PFAS- How to reduce the impact for Novec users?
Current PFAS Restriction Situation
Tens of thousands of PFAS are possible with many different uses. PFAS appears in countless products used all around us, from non-stick pans to clothing and cosmetics. Among them, there are applications where there is no substitute for PFAS. Although PFAS is under proposal for restricted use, it is important to understand that not all PFASs are harmful to the environment or dangerous to humans. Only certain substances, such as PFOS and PFOA, are receiving special attention because of their presence in so many applications with the potential for harm. Therefore, the immediate removal of PFAS entirely is now almost impossible.
That is to say, the decision to consider restricting the use of PFAS does not mean restricting the use of 3M Novec. Restrictions will also vary by region or country:
What to replace 3M Novec?
3M’s phase out of Novec posed a requirement to find alternative solvents for this product line. As a manufacturer that uses solvents in the production process, you may understand that when switching to a new solvent, not only the cleaning performance must be evaluated, but also the compatibility of the new solvent with equipment and processes.
Find out here: Qualifying 3M Novec replacement
Prostech has both temporary and long-term replacement solvents that can solve your current manufacturing problems, both about supply chain and technical requirement. Our solution:
- Direct replacement solvent for 3M Novec does not require cleaning performance testing.
- PFAS-free long-term Novec solvent replacement with improved cleaning performance and cost effectiveness
Looking for your specific alternative solvent: 3M Novec replacements – Drop-in and long-term solution
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