In search of 100% Silicon...

Well I am dissembling my CF-29 for the purposes of performance enhancement and from my readings on the subject I have deduced it is necessary to reseal the machine in order to maintain its integrity to the elements. So I went to the local Wally World at 4:AM and bought a tube of GE 100% Silicon Caulk. After getting it home and conducting several TCVAs (Tactile Compression Viscosity Assessments) I surmised that this products modulus of elasticity was indeed too high to compress property to achieve the desired seal.

So, I went in search of a "grease" of lower viscosity to hopefully accomplish the objective. I made inquires at the local camera shops, as was suggested in a sulfurous emission by Mnementh, but only found a wide selection of obtuse glances there. I also checked the local tackle shops and was greeted with a vast selection of the same.

While perusing the gondolas of my local Advanced Auto Parts I found Permatex Dielectric Grease #81150 in the electrical section, conveniently located right next to the skull shifter handles and suicide knobs. I searched the products list of ingredients, but was unable to determine if it contained the undesirable petroleum distillates.

So...like any good Haz-Mat Tech I looked up the MSDS and found that the formulation was 85-95% Polydimethylsiloxane. a type of polymeric organosilicon compound most commonly referred to as silicone and one of the formulations of that substance used as filler fluid in breast implants! So far, it sounded more then ample to the task!

The remainder of the compound is 5-15% (hum, not very rigid quality control) Amorphous Silicon Dioxide and is a gelatinous precipitate of sodium silicate produced by acidification.

Sooo, 100% Silicon with no petroleum distillates that works well and at a location that will be commonly available in most towns, priced about $4.00 with tax for .33 oz. And that is the bottom line!

 

Actually, if you do a search for that part # on the forum, you'll find several posts wherein I recommend it as a moisture repellent sealing agent for ALL electrical connections, AND a right-excellent lubricant for use in rebuilding slide-action switches... Also, be mindful that both AZ and AA have it in a 4-oz tube for around $12, and almost ANY Automotive Parts store has little 5gram packets of the stuff for 99c hanging around the registers. In my home town. At the moment. So I suspect the same ANYWHERE...

mnem
Sulphurous Emissions? HAH! Let me go get some chalupas...

 

Well I doubted that I was reinventing the wheel and I admit that I have not read every post back to the primordial beginnings of the forum however my post intended as a somewhat tongue in cheek version of the problems I have had in locating 100% Silicone Grease and in a town the size of Atlanta! Having a brand name and source would have helped me, so I figured it might help someone else.

On the other hand, your Google-Fu must be superior to mine. I searched on that part number and Permatex got no hits, except of this very post. A search on "100% Silicone Grease" got several posts, including the one where you advised that it was sound practice using it to reseal your Toughbook, but only suggested the sources of camera and tackle shops. I found nothing otherwise on brand or local sources.

I honestly when to 11 places looking for this stuff!

As always, thanks for any and all help!

 

My give up...

I can't find them either. I KNOW I posted them...

mnem
Smeg.

 

isnt it silicone? not silicon? I dont think processor chips are made out of dielectric grease.

If you are helping seal, seals that are already there dielectric will work great. If you need to make a seal, for say a side door a product called "the right stuff" would work great. It drys to a product very similar to whats there. A foamy soft rubber.

 

My girlfriend has 100% silicone FYI

 

Silicon, most generally found in a crystalline form, is one of the most abundant natural elements found on Earth, the major component of everyday sand. Pure silicon is an ideal semi-conductor, is the basis of ICs used in our computers.

Silicone is a synthetic derived from silicon and other chemicals, and it may be in the form of a liquid or a rubber-like plastic polymer. Silicone, is often used as a lubricant for machine parts and as a waterproof sealant.

I know the difference; I just get lazier as the day goes on and if you notice I used both words interchangeably.

However, the seals are already there, so silicone grease is what I want.

Incidentally, "The Right Stuff" sounds like an interesting product for some other applications, but didn’t you mean to say it was ready for use once it “ dries?”

Never mind, I got your point…

 

Lol yea. I was remembering discussions about hypereutectic pistons which have silicon in them to withstand heat but my tech instructor going nuts if someone said that they had silicone in them

 

Heh...

Sicilicone... The Ferrari of breast implants...

mnem
Sorry... my associations have become rather loose of late...

 

After doing a few Tactile Compression Viscosity Assessments of different models in my misspent youth as bouncer, I must completely concur ...

 

Are they related to Sessudio?

 

Another place you can get 100% silicone is a dive shop. It is used on the dry suit seals and respirators.
Most of the time I just read all the great info that is here. This time I have something to add.

Ted

 

Mmhmmm... the same place I did MY Comparative Compressibility Analysis...

No... they're prescribed by Dr. Seussudio...

mnem
Whuzzat?

 

Are you trying to rebuild a torn seal or treat the existing seals to repel water? These are two different things.

 

Me? I am going to be installing a new back plate and keyboard, so, hopefully, just a quick reseal.

Shackwrrr was concerned that I might be trying to rebuild seals, which is not the case, with my case, in case that is what you were asking....

 

I'm just wondering if aquarium silicon sealant is applicable for your needs.

 

Go to you local hobby shop and find 100% silicone shock oil for the big r/c rig shock absorbers. It is 100% silicone only! They also have different weights. Treat the seals lightly as well as the surface it mates with. It will then be dang near water PROOF!

 

Plus it comes in purdy COLORS!

mnem
Color is not an issue. This is not a black and white world.

 

Azrial, check out one of our local Fry's stores here in Atlanta. They have some in a tube. I don't know the name brand right now, but it is in a tube with blue and white writing on it. I use that stuff on all and any type of electrical stuff I do. Itis the cats a**.
I love Fry's for the stuff that you can't find everyday. Just don't ever try to return something there, it's like having an anal cavity search

 

Well I have enough now to reseal my case.

I like Fry's but they are a good ways from me, I am on the NW side of Atlanta and it is over a 60 mile round trip for me to go there. That is farther then I like to drive for a tube of oil.

But, I will be building a friend a new desktop soon, and looking for one of their MoBo/CPU combo deals! I might pick up some extra oil then!

 

Yeah, just don't forget the tissues... *SNERK*

mnem
A little Pina Colada flavored "Shock Oil" please...

 

By the way... I think I've posted before that the 100% silicone sealant in black can repair torn rubber keyboard keypads. Using a straight pin under 10x headset with a little silicone on the end and a pointy paper towel to mop up any excess.... It repairs the keyboard like magic. If you are really good... You can make the repairs undetectable and they will be as strong or stronger than the original. I've been doing this for years and haven't had one tear yet. Just make sure everything is clean to start and if you have a steady hand... It can be done. But you CANNOT even attempt to use the keyboard for 24-48 hours while it cures.

 

Ha! That is a useful bit of info! Thanks!

 

Yeah... But like I said... Clean it well first and then a very steady hand is needed along with a magnifier or 10X headset... A toothpick or straight pin works well to work the sealant into/onto both sides of the tear. Then you must quickly and carefully wipe up the excess... Or it then sticks out like a sore thumb! And like I said... 100% silicone BLACK.... If it says "latex' anywhere on it... It will not work.... or work for long.

Yet another tidbit that the ebay filtchers will use. They come in and read all the hints, tip, tricks and mods... But never give back.