Apiezon® Waxes and Sealing Compounds

Apiezon Waxes and Q Compound are versatile temporary to permanent vacuum sealants manufactured by M&I Materials. They are excellent waterproof materials designed for ease of application and removal. Apiezon Waxes are ideal for use in vacuum systems for a number of different applications, including thin film deposition, transistor and circuit manufacturing, and soldering. Because of their high molecular weight, Apiezon Waxes have strong absorption properties and thus a powerful “gettering” action; they are effective at absorbing grease or chemical impurities on surfaces.

The shelf life of both Apiezon Waxes and Q Compound is ten years from the date of manufacture, provided the product remains in the original unopened packaging and is stored at ambient temperature.

Apiezon Wax W

Apiezon Wax W is the “first choice wax” for most applications, as it has the widest temperature range; the lowest vapor pressure; and the most resistance to acids, alkalis, and water. It has the hardest consistency and can be easily applied with heat from a small blow torch or Bunsen burner. Apiezon Wax W can be used down to a vapor pressure of 4.5×10-9 torr at 20°C and up to a temperature of 75°C.

Apiezon Wax 100

Apiezon Wax 100 is a medium hardness wax suitable for more delicate applications such as glass joints that are subject to vibration. Also used to vacuum sealing and mounting, Apiezon Wax 100 can be used down to a vapor pressure of 4.5×10-9 torr at 20°C and has a working temperature range of -10 to 45°C.

Apiezon Wax 40

Apiezon Wax 40 is a soft vacuum sealant and mounting wax that can be used in hot water for application to heat sensitive joints. It is usable down to a vapor pressure of 6×10-8 torr at 20°C and has a working temperature range of -10 to 35°C.

Apiezon Q Compound

Apiezon Q Compound is a soft, putty-like material ideal for use as a temporary vacuum sealant. It may not be cost effective to shut down a vacuum system for repairs in the case that it develops a leak. In such cases, Apiezon Sealing Compound Q provides an effective seal that allows production systems to continue operating, thus reducing downtime until a maintenance period can be scheduled.

Apiezon Q Compound can be used around the edges of joints, on glass cylinders and metal plates, and in holes and gaps in vacuum systems. It can be easily shaped, applied, and/or removed by hand on a wide range of surfaces. It is usable down to a vapor pressure of 1×10-4 torr at 20°C and has a working temperature range of -10 to 30°C.

Apiezon® is a registered trademark of M&I Materials.

Apiezon Waxes

Etch resist
Strong “gettering” action
Waterproof sealing
Easy removal
Chemically inert
Good vapor pressure

Apiezon Q Compound

Easy application
Easy removal
Adheres to wide range of surfaces
Low vacuum range

Apiezon Waxes

Protective coating for printed circuits
Temporary and permanent adhesives for mounting silicon chips
Sealing in electronic and vacuum systems
Sealing joints
Low to medium vacuum

Apiezon Q Compound

Temporary vacuum seal
Joints, cylinders, holes, and gaps
Low vacuum systems

Specifications	WAX W	WAX W100	WAX W40
Approximate Softening Point (ºC)	85	55	45
Temperature for Application (ºC)	140	110	95
Maximum Temperature for Use( ºC)	80	50	40
Specific Gravity at 20ºC/15.5º	1.055	1.025	1.017
Specific Gravity at 30ºC/15.5º	1.048	1.018	1.010
Average Molecular Weight	1214	1160	1140
Coefficient of Expansion per ºC over 20-30ºC	0.00062	---	0.00063
Thermal Conductivity (Btu/in/fte2/ºF)	1.31	1.81	1.23
Thermal Conductivity (w/m/ºC)	0.189	0.170	0.177
Specific Heat at 25ºC (cal/g)	0.43	0.70	0.51
Specific Heat at 25ºC (Joule/g)	1.8	2.9	2.1
Loss Tangent	0.015	0.016	0.015
Permittivity	2.8	2.7	2.9
Volume Resistively, ohm/cms	6.31x1015	1.64x1015	5.05x1015