What Does
Trichloroethylene Mean?
Trichloroethylene is a nonflammable toxic liquid with the chemical formula C2HCl3. It is primarily used as a solvent to remove grease and debris from metallic surfaces.
Corrosionpedia Explains Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene is a highly toxic chemical compound with a sweet odor and taste.
It is used in the field of corrosion prevention as a paint remover fluid. Paints that have been previously applied to a substrate metal to protect the metal from infiltration often reach the end of their useful life or begin to deteriorate. To facilitate continuous protection, the entirety of the old paint coating must be removed before a new protective layer can be applied.
This is where trichloroethylene becomes useful because it is capable of dissolving paint and is also highly stable and non-corrosive.