3M Fluorinert™ FC-40

Econtrol Devices provides product information for 3M Fluorinert™ Electronic Liquid FC-40, a fully fluorinated, thermally stable liquid manufactured by 3M Company for industrial heat transfer and electronic testing applications.

FC-40 is a clear, colorless, electrically non-conductive fluid developed primarily for single-phase heat transfer applications in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Its liquid range of -57°C to 165°C makes it suitable for various applications involving etchers, ion implanters, testers, and other electronic equipment.

The manufacturer also identifies FC-40 for heat transfer applications in data centers, high-performance computing, power electronics, and aviation electronics.

FC-40 is primarily a single-compound liquid, which helps maintain its composition over time and minimize fluid loss.

Product Availability: 3M Fluorinert FC-40 has been discontinued by 3M and is listed as no longer in stock or available.

Key Features of 3M Fluorinert FC-40

• Fully Fluorinated Liquid: Developed for single-phase heat transfer and electronic testing applications.

• Electrically Non-Conductive: Intended for industrial applications involving electronic equipment.

• Thermal Stability: Resistant to thermal breakdown during typical use and storage conditions.

• Chemical Stability: Described as chemically stable by the manufacturer.

• Nonflammable: Reported as nonflammable, with no flash point identified.

• Liquid Temperature Range: -57°C to 165°C.

• Boiling Point: 165°C at atmospheric pressure.

• Pour Point: -57°C.

• Liquid Density: 1855 kg/m³.

• Kinematic Viscosity: 2.2 cSt.

• Thermal Conductivity: 0.065 W/m·°C.

• Dielectric Strength: 46 kV at a 0.1-inch gap.

• Ozone Depletion Potential: 0.

• Material Compatibility: Compatible with most metals, plastics, and elastomers, according to 3M.

Applications of 3M Fluorinert FC-40

3M Fluorinert FC-40 is intended for industrial heat transfer and electronic testing applications.

1. Semiconductor Manufacturing

FC-40 is designed for single-phase heat transfer applications in semiconductor manufacturing.

The manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet identifies equipment such as:

• Etchers

• Ion Implanters

• Testers

2. Electronic Testing

FC-40 is used as a testing fluid for electronics.

The manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet provides its electrical properties, including dielectric strength, dielectric constant, and electrical resistivity.

3. Industrial Heat Transfer

FC-40 is intended for industrial heat transfer applications involving electronic and semiconductor equipment.

4. Data Center Heat Transfer

The manufacturer identifies data centers among the heat transfer applications of FC-40.

5. High-Performance Computing

FC-40 is also listed for heat transfer applications involving high-performance computing systems.

6. Power Electronics

The manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet includes power electronics among its intended application areas.

7. Aviation Electronics

FC-40 is identified for heat transfer applications involving aviation electronics.

8. Additional Applications Listed in the Product Information

The supplied product listing also identifies:

• Thermal Shock Testing

• Semiconductor Cooling

• Dielectric Baths

• Gross Leak Testing

• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

• Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) Manufacturing

These additional applications appear in the supplied product listing.

Technical Specifications of 3M Fluorinert FC-40

The following technical values are taken from the manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet dated September 2019.

The values represent typical manufacturer-reported properties and should not be used for specification purposes. All values are reported at 25°C unless otherwise specified.

Chemical Composition

According to the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet (Version 60.00), FC-40 contains:

The Safety Data Sheet identifies the product for industrial use as an electronic testing fluid or heat transfer fluid.

Electrical Properties of 3M Fluorinert FC-40

The manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet reports the following electrical properties.

These are typical values reported at 25°C unless otherwise specified.

Heat Transfer Performance

Thermal Properties

The manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet reports the following properties:

• Liquid Specific Heat: 1100 J/kg·°C

• Thermal Conductivity: 0.065 W/m·°C

• Liquid Density: 1855 kg/m³

• Latent Heat of Vaporization: 69 J/g

Temperature-Dependent Properties

3M provides equations for calculating specific heat, thermal conductivity, density, and vapor pressure at different temperatures.

The Technical Data Sheet also contains a viscosity-versus-temperature graph showing how FC-40's viscosity changes across the indicated temperature range.

Material Compatibility

According to the manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet, 3M Fluorinert FC-40 is compatible with most metals, plastics, and elastomers.

Metal Compatibility

FC-40 is described as compatible with most metals.

The supplied Technical Data Sheet does not provide a detailed list of individual metal grades.

Plastic and Elastomer Compatibility

The manufacturer also identifies compatibility with most plastics and elastomers.

Compatibility should be evaluated for the specific materials and operating conditions of the intended application.

Available Packaging Sizes

The supplied product listing displays the following packaging options:

Availability Notice: These packaging sizes are shown for reference only. The supplied product listing identifies FC-40 as discontinued and unavailable.

Shelf Life and Storage

3M Fluorinert FC-40 has a manufacturer-reported shelf life of 60 months from the date of manufacture when stored in its original packaging under the specified conditions.

Recommended Storage Conditions

• Storage Temperature: 21°C (70°F)

• Relative Humidity: 50%

• Store in the original packaging.

• Keep away from heat.

These storage conditions are provided in the manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet.

Safety and Handling Information

According to the 3M Safety Data Sheet dated November 23, 2022, Fluorinert FC-40 is not classified as hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

However, the manufacturer provides precautions for industrial handling, thermal exposure, and environmental protection.

Handling Precautions

• Avoid breathing thermal decomposition products.

• Avoid releasing the fluid into the environment.

• Do not smoke while handling the product.

• Store work clothing separately from food and tobacco products.

• Use suitable ventilation where overheating may occur.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommended exposure-control and protective-equipment requirements.

High-Temperature Precautions

The Safety Data Sheet warns that extreme heat can cause thermal decomposition.

At temperatures above 200°C, possible decomposition products include:

• Hydrogen Fluoride

• Perfluoroisobutylene (PFIB)

Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide may also form during combustion.

Incompatible Materials

The manufacturer identifies:

• Finely Divided Active Metals

• Alkali Metals

• Alkaline Earth Metals

Industrial Use Restrictions

FC-40 is intended for industrial and occupational use.

The Safety Data Sheet identifies its recommended use as an electronics testing fluid or heat transfer fluid. It is not intended for use as a medical device or drug, or for consumer sale or use.

Environmental Properties

The manufacturer reports the following environmental characteristics:

The supplied product listing reports a GWP greater than 5000, referencing IPCC 2007.

According to 3M, FC-40 has a high global warming potential and long atmospheric lifetime. The manufacturer recommends minimizing emissions through conservation, recovery, recycling, and proper disposal.

Recycling and Disposal

3M recommends responsible disposal and recovery of used Fluorinert fluids.

Disposal Guidelines

• Follow applicable local, regional, national, and international waste regulations.

• Dispose of waste through a permitted industrial waste facility.

• If incineration is used, the facility must be capable of handling halogenated materials.

• Avoid uncontrolled environmental release.

• Follow the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet for handling waste and used containers.

Manufacturer's Used Fluid Disposal Program

The September 2019 Technical Data Sheet describes a 3M Used Fluid Disposal Program in the United States.

The document states that the program was provided through Clean Harbors Environmental Services, with a minimum quantity of 30 gallons required for free pickup.

This information reflects the historical document and does not confirm the program's current availability.

3M Fluorinert FC-40 – Product Information at Econtrol Devices

Econtrol Devices provides information and technical documentation assistance for 3M Fluorinert FC-40 Electronic Liquid.

For product specifications, technical details, or inquiries about this discontinued fluid, contact Econtrol Devices.

Product Status: 3M Fluorinert FC-40 has been discontinued by 3M and is listed as unavailable.

Safety Information: FC-40 is intended for industrial use. Exposure to extreme heat may produce hazardous decomposition products, including hydrogen fluoride and perfluoroisobutylene. Review the manufacturer's current Safety Data Sheet and product label before handling or using the fluid.