How to Dissolve DYMAX 1-20323-W
“We are currently using your DYMAX 1-20323-W UV-curable epoxy on a piece of PVC Tubing. Is there a way to dissolve this epoxy without damaging the PVC? We want to remove this epoxy for re-work reasons.”
Fully cured UV-adhesives such as 1-20323-W are cross-linked, thermoset resins, which do not melt and may be difficult to remove from a substrate, especially if they stick very well to it.
For your removal purposes, I would recommend heat or chemical exposure to weaken and then remove adhesive bonds or coatings. It may be very difficult since PVC and the cured adhesive have similar limitations in terms of temperature and chemical resistance.
I suggest placing a part in an oven at 60°C (140°F) for 10 minutes and immediately apply a peel or cleavage force to the bond or coating. Next you can try to increase the temperature up to where the part will not be adversely affected.
There are several chemicals that will dissolve or swell 1-20323-W, such as Dichloromethane, MEK, and Acetone; however, these will also damage the PVC and may not be suitable for your specific needs. Using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) may be the only option in this particular case. A long soak in warm IPA with the help of an ultra sonic cleaner could be the last option if previously mentioned options did not provide desired results.
