Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, is a chemical compound with various industrial applications. Here are some of its uses:
- Dry Cleaning: Perchloroethylene is commonly used as a solvent in dry cleaning operations due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of stains and soils without causing damage to fabrics.
- Metal Degreasing: It is used as a solvent for degreasing metal surfaces in industrial settings, such as automotive and aerospace manufacturing, to remove oils, greases, and other contaminants.
- Chemical Processing: Perchloroethylene serves as a solvent in various chemical processes, including the extraction of oils, fats, and waxes from natural products, as well as in the production of pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals.
- Adhesives and Sealants: It is utilized as a solvent in the production of adhesives and sealants, where it helps dissolve and blend various adhesive components to achieve the desired viscosity, tackiness, and bonding strength.
- Metal Cleaning: Perchloroethylene is used for cleaning and degreasing metal parts and components in automotive, aerospace, and precision engineering industries.
- Textile Processing: It is employed in textile processing for scouring, bleaching, and dyeing of fabrics, as well as for the removal of sizing agents and other impurities.
- Paint Stripping: Perchloroethylene is used as a solvent in paint stripping formulations for removing paint and coatings from various surfaces, including metal, wood, and masonry.
- Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a starting material or reagent in various chemical synthesis reactions, particularly in the production of fluorinated compounds and specialty chemicals.
