[Kenwood] Using DeoxIT on TS830 band switch...

[Roy Morgan]

I wrote:
>...Developed by NASA to remove water from tiles in the launch building and 
>apply a coat of (note this) VARNISH to keep dampness from going back into 
>the tiles.


At 12:07 PM 1/2/04 -0500, Mike MacDonald wrote:
>I'd like to see documentation on that.

Mike,

I can't supply lots of detailed authoritative information, but it appears 
that my idea that it had or has varnish in it is not true (except perhaps 
as a trace ingredient.)  Likewise, I can find references to use of the 
product on the Atlas rockets to prevent corrosion, but not references to 
use on the tiles of the launch platforms   A web search finds me the following:

The history of WD-40:
<http://www.wd40.com/PressRoom/pdfs/wd40_history_timeline.pdf>
To which site this quote is attributed:

"WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That's the 
name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40 
back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula 
to prevent corrosion -- a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's 
persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try."

I did find a number of hits from such places as the Lotus Club of America 
and bicycle racing discussion forums. They all seem to agree: WD-40 is 
excellent at penetrating, cleaning, removing water oil and grease, but is 
not a lubricant that lasts very long.


The MSDS for WD-40 on the manufacturers web site is at:
<http://www.wd40.com/Brands/pdfs/msds-wd40_aerosol.us.pdf>

This shows the contents to be:

(name)                                    (cas number)  (percent)
Aliphatic Petroleum Distillates  8052-41-3       45-50
Petroleum Base Oil                  64742-65-0    15-25
LVP Hydrocarbon Fluid             64742-47-8    12-18
Carbon Dioxide                        124-38-9         2-3

According to other information I have:

Aliphatic Petroleum Distillates  8052-41-3 is Stoddards Solvent, a kind of 
refined kerosene
Petroleum Base Oil                 64742-65-0 is mineral oil with the was 
removed.
LVP Hydrocarbon Fluid            64742-47-8  is apparently included to 
prevent oxidation.
The carbon dioxide is the propellant now used.

So it would appear that WD-40 is refined kerosene with some mineral oil in it.

>I've used it for yrs on pots. Once done, never done again and they become 
>silky
>smooth.

I am glad you have had long term success with it.

>Over the years the implied purpose of WD-40 has
>changed for marketing purposes.

I agree.  From the makers web site, timeline page:

"1953 - On the 40th try, scientists at Rocket
Chemical Company in San Diego perfect Water
Displacement formula.  Hence, the name.

1959 - WD-40 is used on NASA's Atlas missile to
displace moisture and prevent rust corrosion."

 From the same web site, the current claimed functions are:

"WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:

    1. CLEANS:  WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also 
dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess 
bonding material.
    2. DISPLACES MOISTURE:  Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly 
dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
    3. PENETRATES:  WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, 
frozen or rusted metal parts.
    4. LUBRICATES:  WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed 
and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
    5. PROTECTS:  WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant 
ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.  ... "

>An old time TV repairman who is no longer with us told me originally it 
>was developed
>for TV techs.

I found nothing on the manufacturer's web site that supports that idea.

I do find that the company acquired the makes of Lava Soap (and a modest 
number of other companies):
"Lava, the original heavy-duty hand cleaner, is available in a bar, liquid 
and towel.
No matter how dirty you get, the job's not done until your hands are clean."

Roy

- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing!
7130 Panorama Drive, Derwood MD 20855
Home: 301-330-8828 Work: Voice: 301-975-3254,  Fax: 301-948-6213
roy.morgan@nist.gov -- 

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