PolyGone FAQ

What is PolyGone used for?

PolyGone is primarily used to remove cured polysulfide (PRC, Flamemaster, AC Tech) and silicone (GE, Dow, Rhodia, NuSil, Wacker). PolyGone can also remove some other tenacious sealants and adhesives. PolyGone can used in aviation, marine, window and any industrial application where polysulfide is used.

How does it work?

PolyGone penetrates the polymer to cleave it into smaller parts emulsifying the polymer. This emulsification prevents re deposition and enables easy rinsing. PolyGone reacts chemically with the sealants, therefore temperature is very important. We recommend a minimum temperature of 70°F and around 80°F for good performance. In industrial situations, you can heat to 110°F for enhanced performance.

What approvals does PolyGone have?

PolyGone has passed Boeing’s D6-17487 with the exception of paint softening and Douglas’ CSD #1 with the exception of acrylic crazing. Even with scraping, paint will still get damaged so we do not view the paint softening as a limitation. Keep in mind that this relates to top-coats, not primer. PolyGone will not remove fuel tank primers. As for the crazing, as long as you are using the product on a stretched acrylic window, like what are found on pressurized aircraft, you will not have any issues.

We do not recommend use on windows from non-pressurized aircraft or helicopters. PolyGone has also been tested by NavAir and AFRL for use on Navy and Air Force aircraft along with Bell Helicopters. It you attend the Bell Helicopter training class, they recommend PolyGone 310-AG for use on the transmission housing to avoid damage to the magnesium.

What else does it react with?

PolyGone will also quickly react with latex, vinyl and numerous types of paints & coatings. PolyGone 305 and 310-AG are safe on composites and stretched acrylic (pressurized cabins) not regular acrylics (non-pressurized aircraft). The PolyGone 505 will react with composites.

Can PolyGone be used as a degreaser?

Yes. However, we recommend eOx as a more economical degreaser.

How long does it take to work?

The reaction of PolyGone with the sealant starts in under 1 minute however, it will take several minutes before you will see anything. Complete removal depends on the type of polymer, thickness of the polymer, temperature, agitation, and age of the polymer.

How much does it remove?

PolyGone will remove 100% of all the polysulfide (PG-305 & PG 310-AG) and/or silicone (PG-505) it comes in contact with; however, the exact amount depends on the type and age of the sealant. For many applications, a 6-oz. container of the gel will remove around 4-6 linear feet of 1/4” bead. As there are hundreds if not thousands of sealants on the market your exact amount will vary.

Is it hazardous for transportation?

No. PolyGone is not hazardous to ship. PolyGone contains no EPA listed ingredients. Additionally, it does not have to be stored in a Flammable cabinet like other solvents.

Is it a solvent?

Yes and no. PolyGone does not dissolve polysulfide like sugar dissolves in water. The PolyGone chemically breaks the bonds of the polysulfide into small parts so that it can emulsify. This is why we also refer to it as a digester.

Can it be used in parts washers or ultrasonic tanks?

Yes. PolyGone is compatible with numerous metals and plastics. Ultrasonics actually decreases the amount of cleaning time by 75%. Heat, up to 49°C (120°F), can also be used to decrease cleaning time by 50%.

Will temperature effect performance?

Yes, elevating the temperature of the PolyGone will improve its performance. See above. On the low side, we recommend a temperature of at least 65°F in the application area. Any lower temperature and the product performance is very slow.

How do I know when it is not working anymore?

Since this is a chemical reaction, all reactions stop. The PolyGone is spent when the item/part no longer gets clean in the typical cleaning time for your particular application. When you first start using PolyGone, it is worthwhile to note the initial cleaning time for reference and comparison.

How do I dispose of it?

PolyGone may be disposed of with your other solvents. The material does have a high heating value and can be burned for fuel value. Consult with your environmental department for final ruling as regulations vary by county and state.

Can it be filtered?

Yes, PolyGone can be filtered and this is recommended to extend the life of the material. A 10-micron filter is usually sufficient.

Can it be reused?

The PolyGone can continue to be used until it no longer digests the sealant. Once the material no longer works it must be disposed. However, do not add additional material to your bath. Run each bath until the material is spent. This is the most economical method of use.

Does it smell?

PolyGone does have a slight odor. As the ingredients are not listed, no special breathing apparatus is required. However, we do recommend using in a well-ventilated area.

Do you have to wear breathing apparatus?

No, see above.

Will it remove epoxies?

PolyGone will remove some epoxies. The best way to determine this is to send RPM Technology a sample of the material you want to remove so we can determine which product is best for your application.

Will it migrate under fayed surfaces?

Elegant Solutions performed a simple test at a large MRO facility. This test demonstrated no material migration between surfaces during the time required to remove the subject sealant.

Does PolyGone attack the primer?

To this date, we have not seen any effect on the usual fuel tank chromate primer used on commercial aircraft. However, PolyGone will readily attack non-fuel tank primers.