BestSolv™ Zeta – PFAS-Free 3M™ Novec™ Replacement
BestSolv™ Zeta is the next generation, non-PFAS formulated non-flammable fluid with low environmental impact and maximum cleaning power. It serves as an effective cleaning solvent in a diverse range of industrial applications, such as vapor degreasing and precision cleaning of industrial parts that contain true machining oils.
Based on the 3M™ announcement of Novec™ fluid phase out in 2022, BestSolv™ Zeta cleaning solvent was designed as a next generation, PFAS-free drop-in replacement fluid for 3M™ Novec™ engineered fluids such as 3M™ Novec 7100.
For those who need a direct molecule replacement for 3M™ Novec™ 7100, Best Technology also offers BestSolv™ 7100 as an alternative.
BestSolv™ Zeta is a high-purity neat HCFO / HFO in itself and also acts as the base chemical for the BestSolv™ Omega blend.
Benefits of BestSolv™ Zeta
- Next generation beyond HFE and HFCs
- PFAS-free Hydrochlorofluoroolefin HCFO / Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) proprietary fluid
- Excellent solvency (high Kb value of 44) without trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
- Ideal for vapor degreasing and precision cleaning applications
- Ideal boiling point for cleaning applications (129 °F / 54 °C)
- Compatible with a wide range of materials
- Non-flammable
- No flash point
- Low toxicity – high AEL (Allowable Exposure Limit) of 250 ppm
- Very low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- No Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
Data Sheets
| Type | |
Safety Data Sheet | |
Technical Data Sheet |
What is PFAS free?
Most Stringent Definition
Based on the most stringent, far reaching PFAS definition passed in the state of Minnesota and Maine legislation, a PFAS is “any molecule which contains at least 1 fully fluorinated carbon atom.”
Based on its unique molecular structure, BestSolv™ Zeta is PFAS free and does NOT contain a fully fluorinated carbon atom.
Proposed EPA PFAS Definition
In May 2023, the EPA proposed the following definition of the term “PFAS”:
“a chemical substance that contains at least one of these three structures:
- R–(CF2)–CF(R′)R″, where both the CF2 and CF moieties are saturated carbons
- R–CF2OCF2–R′, where R and R′ can either be F, O, or saturated carbons
- CF3C(CF3)R′R″, where R′ and R″ can either be F or saturated carbons.”
Based on the EPA proposed definition, BestSolv™ Zeta is PFAS free since its chemical structure does not contain any of the three chemical structures listed in the proposed definitions.
- Definition 1 above does not apply because while there is a CF2 moiety found on both isomers, the CF moiety is not saturated, as it is double bonded.
- Definition 2 does not apply because there there is no oxygen atom on either isomer.
- Definition 3 does not apply because there is no fully fluorinated methyl group.
Common Applications
- Aerosol solvent in a vapor degreaser
- Substitution of bromine-based solvents
- Degreasing of metal and precision parts
- Degreasing of aerospace parts
- Degreasing of semiconductors and electric parts
- Defluxing of printed circuit boards
- Cleaning during pre plating
- Dilution of silicone oils and fluorinated greases
- Carrier for fluorinated oils and greases
- Substitution of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blended solvents
Properties of 3M™ Novec™ 7100 vs BestSolv™ 7100, BestSolv™ Sierra and BestSolv™ Zeta
| Property | 3M™ Novec™ 7100 | BestSolv™ 7100* | BestSolv™ Sierra* | BestSolv™ Zeta* |
| Cost Comparison | $$$$ | $$ | $ | $$$$ |
| Composition | HFE7100 | HFE7100 | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) | HCFO/HFO PFAS-Free |
| Replacement Type | Exact Molecule | Similar Molecule, Drop-In Replacement | PFAS-Free Drop-In Replacement | |
| Approved Applications |
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| Cleaning Performance | Light Duty | Light Duty | Light Duty | Medium Duty |
| Boiling Point | 142 °F / 61 °C | 138 °F / 59 °C | 132 °F / 56 °C | 129 °F / 54 °C |
| Freeze / Melting Point | -211 °F / -135 °C | -211 °F / -135 °C | -135 °F / -93 °C | -116 °F / -82 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 202 mmHg | 210 mmHg | 232 mmHg | 240 mmHg |
| Liquid Density | 1.5 g/cm2 | 1.5 g/cm2 | 1.47 g/cm2 | 1.39 g/cm2 |
| Viscosity | <1.0 cP | <1.0 cP | < 1.0 cP | 0.57 cP |
| Heat of Vaporization (at bp) | 112 kJ/kg | 112 kJ/kg | 163 kJ/kg | 213 kJ/kg |
| Specific Heat | 1.2 KJ/kg-K@ 25°C | 1.2 KJ/kg-K@ 25°C | 1.28 KJ/kg-K@ 25°C | 1.34 KJ/kg-K@ 25°C |
| Dielectric Constant | 7.4 | 7.3 | 6.6 | 12.3 |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | Low | Low | Low | <1 |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | None | None | None | None |
| Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Designation | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
| Flash Point | None | None | None | None |
*Note: Information is provided by Best Technology, not 3M™. 3M™ does not endorse or recommend any alternative material. As such, the customer is responsible for evaluation of the material’s various properties when looking at alternatives.
What is BestSolv™ Zeta Compatible With?
BestSolv™ Zeta is compatible with a wide range of metals and some plastics. As a solvent, it offers effective medium-duty cleaning strength, and is compatible with vapor degreasing and immersion cleaning.
| Metals | Polymers/Plastics* | Elastomers* |
| Stainless steel Aluminum Copper Brass Other metals | Polypropylene PTFE | EPDM |
*Not compatible with polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate and ABS. Not compatible with fluoroelastomers and silicone rubber. The customer is responsible for ensuring specific material compatibility, which should always be verified through testing with specific contaminants under process-specific cleaning conditions.
BestSolv™ Zeta Packaging
| Product # | SKU | Container Sizes Available (Gallons) |
| BestSolv™ Zeta-55 | 24265201155 | 55 gal. drum |
| BestSolv™ Zeta-05 | 24265201105 | 5 gal. pail |
BestSolv™ HFO Price and Ordering
For purposes of product stewardship, Best Solv™ HFO Engineered Fluids cannot be sold directly online and are available for customers in the United States only.
Please contact our chemical sales department for a quote by clicking the “Get a Quote” button, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.