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I. Summarized Product Data

II. Application and Properties of Microseal

III. MICROSEAL-DS

IV. Application and Properties of Miniseal

V. Comparison of Microseal vs. Miniseal

 VI. Uses and Users of our Sealants
 

I . Summarized Product Data   (top)

Microseal consists of resins in a ketone solution and is used to seal porosity in all metals. It can be dipped, brushed or sprayed on to penetrate the pores. The solvent then evaporates leaving the pores sealed with resins.

Microseal is available with either of two solvents: Acetone or Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK).  Unless otherwise specified by  the customer, Acetone based Microseal is provided, the reason being that VOC/EPA  regulations favor Acetone over Methyl Ethyl Ketone.

The following is a list of available Microseal products:

Microseal-MEK: Mek-based normal strength Microseal.

Microseal-AC: Acetone-based  normal strength Microseal.

Microseal-DS-MEK: a double strength Mek-based Microseal which is used for coarser porosity and for bonding and locking applications.

Microseal-DS-AC: Acetone-based double strength Microseal , also used for coarser porosity and bonding and locking.

NOTE: Wherever the term "Microseal" is used in this brochure it refers to both Acetone- and MEK-based  products, unless specified otherwise.
 

Miniseal is a silicate material with penetrants. The solvent is water so the seal needs baking to become water resistant. Miniseal is generally used where the metal comes in prolonged contact with ketones and/or when the metal will be exposed to temperatures above 350° F. (177° C)
 
 

II. Application and Properties of Microseal   (top)

General:

Microseal seals porosity in all metals. Its consumption ranges from 500 to 2,000 sq. ft. per gallon depending on surface conditions. Its shelflife is unlimited if containers are kept well closed and excessive contamination by water, lubricants and fine metals is avoided.

Containers for storage or dipping should be made of tinplate, enamelled iron, aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, glass or plastic(polyethylene). Do not use plain steel (mild steel) or galvanized containers as prolonged contact with these may cause the sealant to jell. When not in use, containers should be covered to avoid evaporation losses.

Microseal which has thickened due to evaporation can be thinned by adding methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) or acetone. Hardened Microseal dissolves in these solvents.

Preparation:

Castings should be dry and clean. Any conventional cleaning method can be used, but be sure the cleaning solvent or water has evaporated before Microseal is applied. Water may spoil liquid Microseal by causing precipitation of the resins. Therefore, again, make sure your castings are dry.

Application:

Sealing can be done by brushing, spraying or dipping.

When brushing or spraying it is preferable to apply on both sides. For spraying any conventional sprayer such as for paint, insecticides, etc. can be used. For dipping, the required period of immersion ranges from a few seconds to fifteen minutes depending on the surface conditions. The longer time is recommended if the pores are very fine or contaminated by water, grease, lubricant or dirt. Also, turn your pieces over to prevent airlocks. If troubled by dripmarks, one can prevent those by pulling castings slowly from the sealant.

Microseal can also be forced into the pores with air pressure. This is not really needed though.

Hardening:

Microseal is dry to the touch in about one minute. Hardening starts immediately and is completed in three days. Ideally three days should be allowed before pressure tests. However, one day is often enough time for tests. To speed up hardening, air dry for one hour, then heat at 150 degrees F for about one hour or blow with cold or hot air using fans.

The film is normally clear, but may turn opaque because of high humidity or drying that is too fast. This can be prevented by drying in a closed container which slows the drying process and lowers humidity. Also, an opaque film can be made clear by wetting the surface lightly with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). MIBK dries slower than MEK. For colored Microseal, add organic dyes (preferably non-alkaline) that are soluble in ketones. Dyes are available in all colors but probably not in white. For white, you may have to use a pigment, such as antimony oxide.

Properties of Hardened Microseal:

• Hardened Microseal does not affect the metal's machinability

• The modulus of elasticiy of Microseal is considerable lower than that of any metal or in other words the allowable bend before breaking is greater for Microseal than for metal.

• The effectiveness of the hardened seal does not deteriorate with time.

• Hardened Microseal is chemically very resistant (see Table).

• Pressure resistance depends on many factors such as wall thickness and size of pores. Therefore, it is not possible to give an exact figure.

• Temperature resistance depends on the same factors. Maximum temperature resistance is obtained with increased wall thickness, smaller pore size and lower pressure. Resistance against low temperatures is excellent. For Microseal the maximum temperature is 350 degrees F.

• On castings which have to be electroplated or anodized, the non-metallic film left by Microseal has to be removed mechanically. Therefore sealing after electroplating or anodizing is preferable. For electroless plating no removal of the surface film is needed.

• Paint adhesion is normally not affected by Microseal.

• Hardened Microseal is non-toxic and odorless and can be used in contact with food (FDA approved).

Other Applications:

Microseal can be used for sealing porous welds, leaky joints & porous coatings or for locking screws and nuts. Application methods for these uses are the same -- dipping, brushing or spraying.

Remedial Measures:

If normal application of Microseal proves unsatisfactory, the pores are probably very fine or contaminated by traces of water, grease or oxide that prevent the sealant from entering. Repeating the treatment usually gives good results.

It is also possible the pores are too large, therefore a build-up is needed. A very short soak-time (in and out) should be used in the second dip to prevent redissolving of the first dip deposit. Also, in the case of larger pores, Microseal-DS may give faster and better results.

Physical/Chemical Characteristics of Microseal  in Alphabetical Order :

• Boiling Point : 180 degrees F (82 degrees C)

• Chemical Composition: Microseal's composition is based on bakelite-type resins. Ketone-type solvents are used.

• Chemical Resistance (of hardened Microseal): within normal temperature ranges the seal resists:1) water, hot water and most aqueous solutions; 2) weak and strong acids, including aqua regia and hydrofluoric acid; 3) weak and strong alkalies; 4) alcohols; 5) greases, mineral oils, animal oils vegetable oils; 6) many organic solvents, such as petroleum naphtas; 7) most inorganic materials.

• Consumption Range*: 500-2000 square feet per gallon, depending on roughness of surface.

• Durability(of hardened seal): The effectiveness of the hardened seal does not deteriorate with time.

• Elasticity: the modulus of elasticity of Microseal is considerably lower than that of any metal or in other words the allowable bend before breaking is greater for Microseal than for metal.

• Evaporation Rate*:5.7 (Butyl Acetate = 1).

• Flashpoint*: 23 degrees F Tag closed cup.

• Hardening*: At room temperature ideally three days. However, usually one day is enough. Hardening can be speeded by air-drying for at least one hour and then heating at 150 degrees F for one hour.

• Penetration*: Microseal has an unusual penetrating power. Interconnected pores are penetrated all the way to any depth. Penetration is practically instantaneous if the pores are clean. When pores are contaminated, Microseal has to dissolve the contaminant first, which takes more time.

• Pore Size Sealable: The size of opening that can be expected to be sealed by Microseal depends upon the geometry of the pore and the wall thickness. Generally, the pore size can go up to about 1/4 mm (0.01inch).

• Temperature Resistance: We do not recommend prolonged exposure of the hardened Microseal to temperatures above 350 degrees F. There is no low temperature limit.

• Vapor Pressure*: at 20 degrees C 70mm Hg.

• Viscosity*: Saybolt Universal 45.8 sec at 100 degrees F.

* Applies to Microseal before hardening.
 
 

Chemical Resistance of Microseal

In General:

Within normal temperature ranges (below 350 degrees F) hardened Microseal resists:

1.Water, hot water, steam and most aqueous solutions
2. Weak and strong acids including aqua regia and hydrofluoric acid.
3. Weak and strong alkalies
4. Alcohols
5. Greases, mineral oils, animal oils and vegetable oils.
6. Many organic solvents, such as petroleum naphtas.
7. Most inorganic materials.

Resistance of Microseal Sealant To Some Common Chemicals:

R = Resists; D = Dissolves; S = Swells

Hardened Microseal is not resistant to:

1. Ketones
2. Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Toluene, Xylene)
3. Esters

Several Subjects relating to Microseal (alphabetical)

Coloring
Dripmark Prevention
Glue Application
Opaque Color
Painting over hardened Microseal
Penetration of Microseal
Redipping in Microseal
Removing hardened Microseal
Vibration

Coloring Sealant:    (back to list)

Microseal is a clear liquid material. Its composition is based on bakelite-type resins which have been dissolved in ketone-type solvents.

Anyone wishing for color should use organic dyes, perferably non-alkaline, that are soluble in ketones. Dyes are available in all colors of the rainbow, but we doubt that they come in white.

For white, you may have to use a pigment. Antimony oxide is advisable in that case.

Dyes are easier to use because they dissolve in the ketones. Pigments always stay as particles in the liquid requiring frequent stirring and shaking.

Some suppliers of dyes and pigments are listed below:

CIBY-GEIGY, Inc. Pigment Div., Delaware, MD., tel 1-800-355-2422
CIBY-GEIGY, Inc., Dye Division, Greensboro, NC., tel 1-800-334-9481
CLARIANT Corp., Pigments & Additives, Charlotte, NC., tel 704-331-7000

Dripmark Prevention :   (back to list)

Because Microseal is a thin liquid, it is not likely to cause dripmarks. However, when dripmarks do show, this can be prevented by pulling casting slowly from the sealant.

If dripmarks are discovered afterwards while the castings are still wet, then they can be removed manually with a cloth which has been dampened in a ketone (for instance acetone or methyl ethyl ketone).

Microseal used as a glue :   (back to list)

If you intend to use Microseal as a glue for metals rather than as a sealant, we recommend you use Microseal-DS or Double Strength Microseal.

One should bear in mind that adhesive properties in general are influenced by temperature. Thus, if the Microseal-DS had been stored in a cold storage place, it would not start working properly as an adhesive until it reached room temperature.

Opaque or White Color of parts treated with Microseal   (back to list)

Normally pieces treated with Microseal will have a clear film on the surface. This film may, however, turn opaque because of high humidity or of too fast drying. This can be prevented by drying in a closed container, which slows down the drying process and lowers humidity.

Once you have an opaque film, it can me made invisible by wetting the surface slightly with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone(MIBK), for MIBK evaporates slowly.

Microseal contaminated by water may also produce a white precipication which may be apparent on your pieces. MEK and water are miscible up to 11-12% water. After that, the water does not mix up any further but will tend to be at the bottom of the tank.

In case of just MEK contaminated with water, one can separate the MEK and water with a molecular sieve. The MEK will go through while the water stays behind. However, this will probably not work with Microseal because of the solids in the solution.

Molecular sieves are produced by Union Carbide.

Painting over castings that have been sealed with Microseal   (back to list)

Minimum time recommended between spraying (or other application) of Microseal and spraying paint is one hour.

There is no particular concern about the solvents in the paint (if similar to those of Microseal) weakening the seal again, as contact is short and drying will start immediately after spray-painting again.*

Adhesion of paints to the dried Microseal is generally good. Especially recommended are textured vinyl paints, acrylic paints and methacrylic ester systems.

* We understand that epoxy paints generally have ketone-type solvents in them also.

Sealing with Microseal of Castings that have previously been painted.

This can only be done if the paint used is not soluble in ketones. Ketones are the solvents used in Microseal. Similar solvents, both in the sealant and in the paint, will affect the appearance if sealing is done last.

Penetration of Microseal   (back to list)

1. Make sure your castings are dry and clean.
2. Use regular Microseal rather than Microseal-DS when treating fine porosity.
3. Warm castings to about 150 degrees F before immersion into the sealant. A warm casting will suck in the sealant better than a cold one. This low heating has the additional advantage of driving any possible water remnants from the pores. Water contamination can spoil the sealant.
4. Have the sealant preferably at room temperature.(+/- 68 degrees F)
5. Immerse your casting for 10-15 minutes to give the sealant time to penetrate.
6. Turn your casting at half time to eliminate any possible airlocks.
7. Though one day is usually enough for the sealant to harden, it is preferable to give it three days.
8. In case of coarse porosity it may be necessary to reseal by quick-dip to get some build-up of the seal without permitting the original seal to be dissolved again. In this case, it may be easier to use Microseal-DS.
9. If pressure is used to force the sealant in, take care to taper off at the end of the procedure. Otherwise the sealant might be blown through and out.

Redipping in Microseal   (back to list)

Give as much time as feasible between the first and second dip, but at least one hour. The second dip should be as short as possible in order to prevent dissolving of the first deposit.

The longer the first application has had time to set up, the longer it will take to dissolve, so give it more time in between (preferably the full three days).

Removing Hardened Microseal   (back to list)

Hardened Microseal can be weakened by exposure to temperatures above 350 degrees F.

The solvent used in Microseal is methyl ethyl ketone. Soaking in this solvent and some scrubbing should remove the material. Any kind of ketone (acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone) can be used instead.

Vibration   (back to list)

The modulus of Microseal and Miniseal is considerably lower* than the modulus of any metal. so vibration should not present a problem. In other words, Microseal as well as Miniseal have more give than metals.

* the smaller the modulus the bigger the allowable bend.

Safety

Microseal's flammability is comparable to that of flammable paint thinners. Keep away from heat or open flames. Use with adequate ventilation and avoid prolonged breathing of vapors or repeated contact with skin. Protect eyes with a face shield or safety glasses, protect hands with neoprene gloves. Have adequate ventilation.

Pointers on safe handling of Microseal

1. Do not smoke while using Microseal or in close range of it.
2. Do not use Microseal close to an open fire. Microseal's flammability is comparable to that of paint thinners.
3. Have proper ventilation in the area where you use Microseal (an exhaust).
4. If one uses Microseal regularly (for instance, a couple of hours daily), then it is advisable to wear a mask. Some very sensitive people may prefer a mask even with occasional use. (see respiratory protection - safety equipment below).
5. Like with all chemicals it is important to protect the eyes against accidental splattering. Wear glasses, goggles or a full face piece. Immediately rinse the eye with water for at least 10 minutes in case of splattering.
6. Splattering on the skin can be washed away with water. Of course, regular skin contact would result in a dry skin.
7. If swallowed accidentally, force vomiting and call physician. The solvent used in Microseal is Methyl ethyl ketone.

Respiratory Protection - Safety Equipment.

For respiratory protection, use a full face piece respirator with organic vapor cartridges. The full face piece gives a better fit and also protects the eyes that need protection anyway.

Please remember the following:
a.) have the proper fit (facial hair my interfere with a good fit.) Masks come in small, medium and large. For more information call: 3M (1-800-328-1667 or 1-800-243-4630) or PRO-TECH (616-695-9663) or a manufacturer of your choice.
b.) change cartridges regularly.
c.) when done with it, put the respirator in a big ziplock bag to prevent unnecessary contamination of the filter.
d.) face masks should be personal and it's good practice to have them marked with the users name and have him/her responsible for its proper maintenance.
e.) it deserves remembering that filters eliminate most of the air contaminant. A residual slight smell does not necessarily mean that the exposure limits are exceeded..
 

III . MICROSEAL-DS (AC or MEK)   (top) 

Is a double strength Microseal which gives it more bonding power and allows for more build-up than regular Microseal.  Sealing can be done by dipping or by brushing on.  Spraying might clog your apparatus.

The application of Microseal-DS is the same procedure as for single strength Microseal. (see section II. application and properties of Microseal)
 

IV. Application and Properties of Miniseal   (top)

General:

Miniseal seals porosity in all metals. Its consumption ranges from 500 to 2,000 square feet per gallon depending on surface conditions. Its shelf life is unlimited if containers are kept well closed and excessive contamination by lubricants and metal fines is avoided.

 Remarks on Storage of Miniseal:

Do not use on aluminum, galvanized or zinc containers. Instead use P.E.
(polyethylene), plastic, enamelled iron, steel, stainless steel, ceramic, glass
or tinplate.
Miniseal which has been frozen and then thawed (a possibility in northern
climates) will contain highly concentrated material at the bottom and a rel-
atively diluted solution on the top due to physical separation phenomena.
These are readily mixed together again by vigorous agitation or pumping.
They do not separate into concentrated and/or diluted portions when warmed
to room temperature.
If heating is required, conventional steam coils or electric tape may be used.
External heating is preferred over internal heating because it minimizes
localized heating.
Storage temperatures should be between 5 deg C and 50 deg C and preferably
between 20 deg C and 25 deg C. Storage above 50 deg C should also be avoided due to  excessive evaporation losses which can lead to precipitation.

Preparation:

Leaky castings should be dry and free of grease and dirt. For cleaning the surface, any conventional method can be used but be sure the cleaning solvent has evaporated before Miniseal is applied.

Application:

Sealing can be done by brushing, spraying or dipping.

With brushing and spraying, it is preferable to apply to both sides. For spraying any conventional sprayer such as for paint, insecticides, etc.. can be used. For dipping the required period of immersion ranges from a few seconds to fifteen minutes depending on surface conditions. The longer time is required if the pores are very fine or contaminated by grease, lubricants or dirt.

Miniseal can also be forced into the pores with air pressure, but because of its high capillary action this method is not really needed.

Hardening:

Miniseal is dry in about 5 minutes, usually with a clear film. Hardening starts immediately and is completed in three days. Ideally three days should be allowed before pressure tests. However, usually one day is enough time before tests. To speed up the hardening, have the articles air -dry for at least one day then gradually heat to 180-200 degrees F for two hours. This treatment will also improve Miniseal's resistance to water. Resistance to water can be improved further by the following: air dry for at least one day then gradually heat to 180-200 degrees F for two hours. Then gradually heat to 300-400 degrees F for an hour.

Properties of hardened Miniseal:

• On castings which have to be electroplated, anodized or painted the nonmetallic film left by Miniseal has to be removed mechanically. Therefore, sealing after electroplating, anodizing or painting is preferred.

• Hardened Miniseal is nontoxic and odorless and can be used in contact with food (FDA Approved).

• Pressure resistance depends on many factors such as wall thickness and size of pores, etc.., therefore it is not possible to give an exact figure.

• Temperature resistance also depends on many factors. The maximum temperature resistance is 1000 degrees F.

• After air drying Miniseal resists all organic materials including gasoline and other fuels. Unless it is baked after air-drying, its resistance to water is not as perfect as Microseal's.

Other applications:

Miniseal can be used for sealing porous welds, leaky joints and porous castings or for locking screws and nuts. Application methods for these are the same -- dipping, brushing or spraying.

Remedial Measures.

If a normal application of Miniseal proves unsatisfactory, the pores are probably very fine or contaminated with traces of grease or oxide that prevent the sealant from entering. Repeating the treatment usually gives good results. In case of dipping, a longer soaking time (5-15 minutes) may be required.

It is also possible the pores are too large, requiring more build-up. In this case, a very short soak time (in and out) should be used on the second dip to prevent redissolving of the first dip deposit.

Safety:

Miniseal is a nonflammable alkaline liquid. Like with most chemicals, protect eyes and avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin or breathing of mists. In case of contact with the eye, immediately and repeatedly flush with water, then see a physician.

Physical/Chemical Characteristics of Miniseal in Alphabetical Order:
- Boiling Point: 212 deg F (100 deg C)
- Chemical Composition: Miniseal is an aqueous solution of sodium salt of silicic acid and a penetrating agent (inorganic materials).
- Chemical Resistance (of hardened Miniseal): After air drying~ Miniseal resists all organic materials, including gasoline and other fuels. Improved water resistance can be obtained by air drying for one day and then gradually heating to 180-200 deg F (hold at this temperature for two hours) and then heating slowly to 300-400 deg F (holding at this temperature for one hour).
- Consumption Range*: 500-2,000 square feet per gallon (depending on the roughness of the surface).
- Durability (of the hardened seal): The effectiveness of the hardened seal does not deteriorate with time. If a not quite hardened seal is exposed to sudden higher temperatures, drying time may not be gradual enough and therefore, sudden water loss may result in shrinking of the seal, which makes a second treatment necessary.
- Evaporation Rate*: Like water
- Hardening: At room temperature ideally three days. Enclosed areas may even take longer; but, ordinarily, one day may be enough. Faster hardening can be made possible by air-drying at least one day, followed by heating at 180-200 deg F.
- pH: Rather constant. 11.3 (buffering capacity)
- Penetration*: Interconnected pores are penetrated all the way to any
depth. Penetration takes only about five minutes if the pores are clean.
- Pore Size Sealable: The size of opening that can be expected to be sealed by Miniseal depends upon the geometry of the pore and the wall thickness. Generally, the maximum pore size sealable is 1/4 mm. (.01 inch) in diameter.
- Temperature Resistance: We do not recommend prolonged exposures of hardened Miniseal to temperatures above 1000 deg F. There is no low temperature limit. Fluid Miniseal will freeze and requires thorough stirring before use once it is thawed. (Coming from up-state New York, it is safe to assume that Miniseal has been frozen at some time and therefore, always needs shaking and stirring before use.)
- Viscosity*: Centipoise 6 at 20 deg C.
* Applies to Miniseal before hardening.

V. Comparison - Microseal vs. Miniseal   (top)

As compared to Microseal the advantages of Miniseal are:

1. Higher allowable temperature (1000 degrees F vs. 350 degrees F)

2. Resistance to all organic materials, including those to which Microseal has limited resistance (ketones).

Disadvantages of Miniseal are:

1. Slower drying time.

2. Unlike Microseal it interferes with paint adhesion.

3. Unless it is specially treated (baked) its resistance to prolonged contact with water and steam is not as perfect as Microseal's.

The method of application is the same for both products.

VI. USES AND USERS OF OUR SEALANTS   (top)

Our sealants are used because of the following reasons:
 easy application
 saves time
 saves money
 it's an uncomplicated one-step solution
 one does not require expensive equipment
 it can be applied in house, so does save shipping pieces back and forth
 they seal all metals and also ceramics
 once set the seal lasts practically indefinitely
 once set the seal resists heat (to 350 deg F and 1000 deg F) depending on sealant
 once set the seal resists most chemicals
 economic in use because a little sealant goes a long way

Our sealants offer a solution to the following problems:
- porous castings
- porous welds
- porous coatings
- leaky joints/seams
- leaky edges in multiple glass/metal combinations
- loose screws and nuts
- corrosion

Our sealants are used by manufacturers of (and by people servicing) lhe following products:
Air and Filtration Systems
Automotive Engine Rebuilders
Batteries
Brakes
Boat and Marina Owners
   (salvaging metal water & diesel tanks)
Cast Vacuum Chambers
Castings (all types)
Ceramics
Chain Saws
Circuit Boards
Combustion Engines
Concrete
Controls and Gauges
Cracked Engine Blocks
Die Castings
Diesel Tanks
Electric Motors
Electronic Equipment
Engine Heads
Filters
Fire Protection Equipment (nozzles)
Fluid Handling Equipment
Gas Meters
Gear Cases/Boxes
Hose Fittings
Hydraulic Equipment
Hydromatic Pumps
Industrial Machinery/Instruments
Light Fixtures
Machinery
Marine Castings
Metallic Closures and Closing Machines
Metal Finishing Procedures
Meters (water, gas)
Microwave Equipment
Mine Safety Appliances
Optical Instruments (rims of multiple lens combinations)
Pattern Machines
Pipes
Plaster Casts (fill pinholes)
Plastic Molds
Precision Instruments
Print Role Equipment
Propellers
Pumps
Recoil Absorbers
Rod Iron Forged Material
Roof Curb Systems
Roof Welds
Sandblast and Paint Equipment
Satellite Communications Equipment
Solid Waste Handling Equipment
Sprayed Metal Coatings
Thermal spray Coatings
Tool and Hoist Products
Valves (all types)
Watertanks
Wheel Rims

   * The information contained in this pamphlet is based on data obtained by research  or from information furnished by users. The information is considered to be accurate, but no warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of these data or the     results to be obtained from the use thereof. This information is furnished upon the  condition that the person receiving Microseal, Modified Microseals and/or Miniseal shall make his own tests to determine the suitability thereof for his particular purpose.
 

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The Microseal ® Co.
P.O. Box 541 Rome, NY 13442-0541
Tel: (315) 337-2720 • Fax: (315) 336-2749 • Email: microseal@microleak.com