3M™ Novec™ 7200 Engineered Fluid

3M™ Novec™ 7200 Engineered Fluid

3M™ Novec™ 7200 Engineered Fluid is a high-performance hydrofluoroether (HFE) that offers unique properties for a wide range of industries. Its compatibility, sustainability and safe handling properties make it an ideal choice for applications such as heat transfer, solvent cleaning and carrier solvents.

In addition to its efficient heat transfer and solvent cleaning capabilities, Novec™ 7200 has low toxicity, is non-flammable, non-ozone depleting, and has low global warming potential.

As a “neat” (pure) HFE, Novec™ 7200 serves as the foundational chemical for other Novec™ product formulations that start with “72”, such as Novec™ 72DE (with t-DCE, also known as trans-1,2-dicholoroethylene) and Novec™ 72DA (with isopropyl alcohol and t-DCE).

What is Novec™?

Novec™ is a brand of engineered fluid originally developed by 3M™ for use in vapor degreasing and precision cleaning. Novec™ fluids use hydrofluoroether (HFE) chemistry, and are non-flammable, low toxicity replacements for CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, n-propyl bromide (nPB) and chlorinated solvents.

What is Novec™ 7200?

3M™ Novec™ 7200 is a neat HFE fluid, meaning that it is not blended with other chemicals such as isopropanol or t-DCE. Novec™ 7200 is a clear, colorless and low-odor fluid. Its chemical composition is ethoxy-nonafluorobutane (C₄F₉OC₂H₅). Novec™ 7200 fluid consists of two inseparable isomers with essentially identical properties. These are (CF₃)₂CFCF₂OC₂H₅ (CAS 163702-06-5) and CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂OC₂H₅ (CAS 163702-05-4).

As a cleaning solvent, Novec™ 7200 is suited for light-duty cleaning, rinsing or vapor degreasing and is compatible with a wide variety of materials, including metal, glass and many plastics. Its higher boiling point helps reduce evaporative losses.

As a heat transfer agent, Novec™ 7200 is non-conductive and has high dielectric strength, making it ideal for use in electrical and electronic applications. For cooling purposes, data center components can be submerged in Novec™ 7200 while still running, without damage to delicate electronics.

As a deposition or carrier solvent, Novec™ 7200 ensures a consistent coating on parts with complex geometry. Its low viscosity and low surface tension ensure coverage even in hard-to-reach places.

Other applications of 3M™ Novec™ 7200 include:

• Cold cleaner (flex circuits, wipe solvent)
• Specialty solvents, dispersion medium, reaction medium, extraction solvent
• Lubricant carrier for fluorochemicals and silicones
• Movie film cleaning.

Novec™ 7200 Features and Benefits

• Effective light-duty cleaning and rinsing of particulates, fluoro lubes, light oils, fluoro greases
• Low global warming potential (GWP)
• Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)
• Non-flammable
• Non-conductive
• VOC-exempt solvent (U.S. EPA and CARB)
• Replacement for CFCs
• Low toxicity makes it safe for workers and the environment
• Low surface tension allows it to penetrate tight spaces for thorough cleaning 

3M™ Novec™ 7200 Data Sheets

Previously, 3M™ Novec™ 7200 was offered in 3.25-gallon containers; however, those are no longer available and have been replaced with 4-gallon containers.

What is Novec™ 7200 Compatible With?

Novec™ 7200 Engineered Fluid is compatible with a wide range of materials, making it versatile for many applications. It can be safely used with metals, glass and many plastics. It is effective for thermal heat transfer, immersion cooling and thermal management applications. As a solvent, it offers light-duty cleaning strength and spot-free rinsing performance, and is compatible with vapor degreasing and immersion cleaning.

Learn more about materials compatibility on our Solvent Cleaning page.

3M™ Novec™ Voluntary Phase Out Announcement

On December 20, 2022, 3M™ announced plans to exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue the use of the PFAS in its product portfolio by the end of 2025.

As an authorized 3M™ Engineered Fluids distributor, Best Technology remains committed to our customers throughout this transition and continues to receive 3M™ Novec™ products.  We will continue to advocate for our customers to fulfill current orders as well as secure products for future orders. We highly recommend preparing for the phaseout by testing BestSolv™ replacement fluids.

3M™ Novec™ 7200 Replacement Fluid – BestSolv™ 7200

Realizing our customers must transition away from 3M™ Novec™ 7200, Best Technology offers BestSolv™ 7200 as a Novec™ 7200 alternative. BestSolv™ 7200 solvent fluid is formulated as a molecule drop-in  3M™ Novec™ 7200 replacement fluid based on the 3M™ announcement of the Novec™ fluid phase out in 2022. BestSolv™ 7200 is composed of the same HFE 7200 molecule that is found in Novec™ 7200.

Learn more about the BestSolv™ product line of 3M™ Novec™ replacements.