[TowerTalk] Connector Protection Grease

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

I would not hesitate to use a silicone dielectric grease in a UHF 
connector.  Its first use was as a sealing grease in the spark plug 
boots on B-17s in WWII for which it was developed.

I think the silica in silicone greases confusion comes from the fact 
that all silicones are essentially made from silica (powdered quartz) 
which is highly abrasive, BUT the silica does not exist in silicones.  
There is nothing abrasive in silicones unless its been added somewhere 
along the line.  Silicone greases and silicone RTV are all derived from 
Silicon dioxide (Quartz, or silica).  Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) is turned 
into metallic silicon. That is treated with chemicals producing a 
liquid.  That liquid is treated, or processed in many ways to get the 
silicon used in semiconductors, greases, water proofing, RTVs, to "non 
stick" treatments.

That said, a high voltage arc, or any arc in silicones such as 
dielectric greases will break the silicone down into silica which is 
highly abrasive.
Silicone grease as we think of it is NOT a lubricant, EXCEPT for slow 
speeds like door hinges and latches, or the old TV tuners.. Used in high 
speed applications, it will break down into silica.

I base my statements on having worked many years for the company that 
developed these compounds.
I retired from them as a corporate level project manager.

73

Roger  (K8RI)



On 5/11/2016 Wednesday 3:14 PM, Bob K6UJ wrote:
> Riki,
>
> I am planning to use a dielectric grease as you for the same purpose.
> I haven't decided yet which one to use.
> Here is an interesting write up about selecting a grease from W8JI's 
> website.
>
> http://www.w8ji.com/dielectric_grease_vs_conductive_grease.htm
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
> On 5/11/16 9:01 AM, Riki, K7NJ wrote:
>> I am considering applying Loctite Dielectric Tune-up Grease  to the 
>> mating
>> surfaces of connectors that are difficult to access at the top of a 
>> tower. I
>> would appreciate comments about this - especially from anyone who has 
>> used
>> this product for this purpose.
>>
>> 73, Riki, K7NJ
>>
>>
>>
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


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