Dow Corning Silicon High Vacuum Grease, 5.3 oz tube, For Vacuum O-rings & Joints (Dow Corning 976 or 976V)
Silicone grease is a waterproof grease made by combining a silicone oil with a thickener. Silicone grease is commonly used for lubricating and preserving rubber parts, such as O-rings. Additionally, silicone grease does not swell or soften the rubber, which can be a problem with hydrocarbon based greases. It functions well as a corrosion-inhibitor and lubricant for purposes that require a vacuum tight thicker lubricant. These Dow Corning silicon high vacuum greases are packaged in a 5.3 ox (150 gm) tubes and are for use with vacuum O-rings and Joints (Replaces Dow Corning 976 or 976V). Dow Corning High Vacuum Grease is recommended for vacuums reaching between 1x10-5 and 1x10-6 torr.
Dow Corning High Vacuum Grease is a stiff, nonmelting silicone lubricating material and has much higher stability at the higher end of the temperature range(-40° C to 200° C), than hydrocarbon greases such as ApiezonŽ M, However, its initial room temperature pumpdown characteristics are not as quite as good taking noticeably longer to out-gas. This grease is very popular as a general laboratory lubricant, in large part to its low cost relative to the alternatives. The product is very popular as a stop cock grease as well as for use as an anti-seize grease in ground glass joints. It is the recommended replacement for Dow Corning Stop Cock Grease. Dow Corning High Vacuum Grease is also used to lubricate synthetic and silicone rubber gaskets being used in high temperature applications. However, we would urge caution, to the extent that it not be considered at all for use on fluorosilicone "O" rings and gaskets.
