Why must I change?
The Use of Trichloroethylene outside of closed systems is forbidden after 21.04.2016 inside all countries of the European Union.
What is CFC?
Abbreviation for Chlorinated Fluorinated Hydrocarbons. Many CFCs have been widely used as refrigerants, propellants (in aerosol applications), and solvents. The manufacture of such compounds has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol, because CFCs contribute to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere. REMA TIP TOP has used the abbreviation cfc for many years by mistake when talking about CHC.
What is CHC?
Abbreviation for Chlorinated Hydrocarbons. There are highly volatile CHC and low volatile CHC. As highly volatile CHC are mainly nonflammable and good solvents for greases they can be found in many industries. Within this group you find e.g. Trichloroethylene (Tri) which is the solvent used e.g. in Adhesive Cement SC 2000.
What is TRI?
Trichloroethene (Trivial name: Trichloroethylene, Trichlor, Tri, TCE) is a colorless, clear liquid. It smells like Chloroform and is nonflammable. It is a strong solvent and thus was used in many industries as solvent and degreasing agent. Many rubber solutions are containing this solvent still today. There are well-working alternative solvents, which are flammable.
Why do the replacement products smell differently from Tri and amongst each other?
Trichloroethylene has a very characteristic sweet smell, which covers others odors. The chc-free replacement products from REMA TIP TOP contain different other solvents that have their own characteristic smell.
Comparing Cement SC 4000 to Cement SC 2000. What is different?
- Lower viscosity (thinner) – easier to spread
- Apply adhesive coat thin and evenly
- Longer open time before joining the parts
- SC 4000 has a longer drying time in comparison to SC 2000
(approx. 15-35 min. instead of 5-10 min. depending on the conditions) - You have more time at your disposal
- You can work on larger areas at once
- Less risk of over drying
- Back-of-finger-test has to be trained newly
Processing CHC-free systems
- Hardener E 40 (red cap) instead of Hardener UT-R 20 (white bottle closure cap)
- Different solvent (flammable) with difference in evaporation
- Different Cleaning fluid necessary (R4 = free of CHC)
- Different storing regulations
- Ensure explosion prevention
- CHC-free product tend more to settle (sediment)
Advantages for the user when using Cement SC 4000
- Longer open time before joining the parts is advantageous
- Less risk of over drying
- Easier to apply and spread due to lower viscosity
- More economic in use – better coverage
- CHC-free systems are future-proof
- CHC-free systems are less expensive
- Less weight in transportation thanks to lower density of alternative solvents