Can DeoxIT® D5 Cause Cracking of Plastic Surfaces?

I am a professional technician, and I experienced problems recently while cleaning circuit board connectors on a piece of equipment. I have always used DeoxIT® D5 on. The plastic immediately turned brittle and began cracking when the boards were reinserted. Is this due to a change in formula?

I see you have a new DeoxIT DN5S-6N rated as safe for plastics. Is this as effective in cleaning as the old D5 formula?

Thank you.

B. Holinaty
.....

The particular problem you’re referencing comes up every once in a while in the serving of vintage equipment; and the source of the issue is from the plastic itself. Over time, all plastics degrade to some extent, and when solvent comes in contact with it, there's a reaction.

This doesn't happen with all older/vintage plastics, so it is possible that the type of plastic used in the first place is suspect. There are also non-age related issues with plastic that has been processed recently, due to inferior quality.

Therefore, the recommendation when repairing "older" equipment, in particular, would be to apply the DeoxIT® D5 to one surface, and make sure there's no problem with the introduction of solvent to the plastic.

If there does happen to be an adverse reaction, use the DeoxIT® (*D100S-2), 100% spray, which has no solvent, or the DeoxIT® DN5 (DN5S-6N; DN5MS-15), which is non-flammable, non-drip, and safe on plastics.

The difference between the original DeoxIT® D5 and the DeoxIT® DN5 is the carrier solvent. Since the DN5 carrier solvent evaporates almost instantly, there is virtually no surface flushing that takes place, however, the chemical action remains the same, and the additional benefits make it appealing.

*When using 100% solutions, remember to wipe off any excess product with a clean, lint-free swab or cloth.


NOTE:
DeoxIT® GOLD (formerly ProGold)
DeoxIT® GOLD GxL (formerly ProGold GxL)
DeoxIT® SHIELD (formerly PreservIT)
DeoxIT® FaderLube (formerly CaiLube MCL)
DeoxIT® FaderGrease (formerly CaiLube MCL P20 & P40)
DeoxIT® Grease Type M260 & L260 Paste (formerly CaiLube Grease)