Is there a non-corrosive, non-reactive, and non-conductive liquid out there?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for a liquid that is non-corrosive, non-reactive, non-conductive, and non-toxic, suitable for use with electronic components. Participants explore various properties and potential applications of different liquids, including mineral oils, fluorocarbons, and silicone oils.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that mineral oil could be a suitable option due to its non-corrosive nature and compatibility with plastics and metals, while also being non-polar and thus not conducting electricity well.
  • Another participant raises a concern about the flammability of mineral oil, indicating that this is an important criterion that may limit its use.
  • Liquid fluorocarbons are proposed as generally non-reactive, non-flammable, and non-toxic, although a question about their conductivity is raised.
  • A participant mentions the need for a liquid that can safely immerse electronic components for at least a year without danger, emphasizing the importance of non-toxicity and non-flammability.
  • Fluorinert is recommended as a liquid used in liquid-cooled supercomputers, suggesting it meets the discussed criteria.
  • Silicone oils are noted for their high inertness, good heat conductivity, and low flammability, making them suitable for electronics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding the properties and suitability of various liquids, with no consensus reached on a single ideal liquid. Concerns about flammability and conductivity remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific applications for the liquid, which may influence the selection criteria. The discussion also highlights the importance of safety in the context of potential accidents.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in materials science, electronics cooling solutions, or those exploring non-toxic and non-flammable liquid options for various applications may find this discussion relevant.

goc9000
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Hi everyone !

Sorry if this has been asked before - I'm too lazy to search through all the topics...

Is there any liquid that has all these properties:

- isn't corrosive (well, at least for 10 years or so)
- doesn't readily react to plastic and commonly-used metals at room temperature
- it's non-toxic in that you can touch it without being poisoned, it doesn't give off any toxic fumes, etc.
- (most importantly, and I don't know if such a thing exists) doesn't conduct electricity even if slightly polluted with impurities (dust, etc.)

I suppose that if the liquid doesn't 'cooperate' with the impurities, they should act pretty much like a cloud of fine dust and thus not conduct electricity, right ?

Thanks in advance...
 
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Some kind of mineral oil would come close.
- not corrosive
- I use for lube when I machine plastics. Regular tapping grease will react with plastics. Safe with metals.
- get it on my fingers all the time
- very non-polar so will not conduct well at all...small amount of impurity doesn't change this as the impurity will nor be ionized in the oil.
 
Uh... but would this oil be inflammable :smile: ?
 
goc9000 said:
Uh... but would this oil be inflammable :smile: ?

Hmmm, so you forgot to add an important criterion didn't you.

So that rules out most oils. Let me see if I can think of something else...

Meanwhile if you can throw in some context, that usually ends up being helpful. What is this liquid for ? Can you tell us something about the project you're working on, that may be useful to help find your magic liquid.

PS : Please don't say it's a PM machine.
 
Liquid flourocarbons

Generally non-reactive, non-flammable, non-toxic.

http://classes.kumc.edu/cahe/respcared/liquidventilation/wikeper.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
NateTG said:
Generally non-reactive, non-flammable, non-toxic.

http://classes.kumc.edu/cahe/respcared/liquidventilation/wikeper.html

Very interesting. How about their conductivities ? I would imagine that PFCs are very polar...more so, than water. But I could easily be wrong.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well, I'm not working on any project, I was just wondering if there was a liquid in which electronic components could be immersed and still work for a reasonable amount of time (say, 1 year at the very least). The "non-toxic", "non-flammable" criteria are present simply because the liquid shouldn't be dangerous, i.e. it wouldn't kill anyone if something goes wrong.

That "mineral oil" solution seemed nice, but if it bursts into flames :surprise: at the slightest accident... :smile:

Oh, and what's a PM machine ?
 
Don't forget silicone oils have a high degree of inertness, good heat conductivity and low corrosion, low flammability and have been used for electronics.
 
  • #10
Most excellent. Exactly what I was looking for. :smile:
 

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