Aircraft Cleaning Solvents for Aviation Maintenance: SkyKleen 1000, SkyKleen 2000, and MPK Explained
The skin and associated structures make up the vast majority of the aircraft. It is also the major structure that cannot be easily removed and replaced in the case of damage, or in this case, corrosion.
Because corrosion is a major cause of damage to metal aircraft structures, cleaning is heavily emphasized in aircraft maintenance; cleaning surfaces often eliminates corrosion-causing contaminants before they can cause problems. Aircraft cleaning solvents are a key component of the overall aircraft cleaning and corrosion prevention strategy, and we carry several from Eastman's product line (see table below).
Whatever the size and scope of your operation, we have the capacity to serve you and your mission.
What Defines an Aviation-Approved Cleaning Solvent
Aviation-approved cleaning solvent is usually less defined by how aggressively it cleans and more by how safely it interacts with the multiple substrates used on aircraft airframes. Aircraft solvents must be non-reactive with metals, composites, elastomers, seals, wiring insulation, and protective coatings, as even minor chemical incompatibility can cause long-term degradation.
So aviation solvents are non-caustic, non-combustible, and non-halogenated to avoid chemistries that could attack aluminum alloys, composite resins, cadmium or zinc coatings, or fluorocarbon and nitrile seals found in aircraft structures and components.
Here is a quick reference table of their properties before we move on with their descriptions:
SkyKleen 1000: New Generation Aviation Solvent for General Cleaning
SkyKleen 1000 aviation solvent is a next-generation aviation solvent that delivers excellent cleaning performance and is environmentally friendly. As an aviation solvent that combines high cleaning efficiency with eco-friendly features, SkyKleen 1000 delivers excellent cleaning performance with low odor, is non-ozone-depleting, and minimizes VOC emissions, meeting safety and environmental standards. It is inherently biodegradable, non-halogenated, and classified as non-hazardous waste per RCRA.
SkyKleen 1000 evaporates slowly, enhancing safety and providing controlled working time during cleaning and surface preparation tasks. Its noncombustible, low-odor formulation makes it safer to use and leaves no residue. Designed not to adversely affect metals, paints, or composites, SkyKleen 1000 is suitable for a wide range of cleaning and degreasing applications in aviation maintenance and manufacturing.
Typical Applications for SkyKleen 1000:
- General surface cleaning and degreasing
- Skydrol removal: effective for removing Skydrol aviation hydraulic fluid residue
- Suitable for adhesive and epoxy removal, carbon epoxy composite surface cleaning, and carbon removal from brake and piston housings
- Brake and piston housings cleaning
- Carbon removal from brake components
- Engine cleaning and final wipe-down
- Final cleaning prior to painting and bonding
- SkyKleen solvents can remove grease and other fluids, pretreat surfaces prior to painting, and perform general surface cleaning
- SkyKleen 1000, 2000, and MPK offer safer, greener, high-performance solutions for removing tough grease, Skydrol, carbon, and resins
SkyKleen 2000: Smarter Alternative Solvent for Heavy Contamination and Sealants
Skykleen 2000 is a smart aviation solvent that combines aggressive cleaning performance with improved safety and environmental performance compared to traditional liquid solvents. It is a cloudy, white paste formulation that clings to vertical and overhead surfaces, making it especially effective for localized contamination where run-off from liquid cleaners is either inefficient or undesirable.
Skykleen 2000 is preferred over liquid solvents for demanding tasks such as polysulfide sealant removal, RTV and epoxy adhesive removal, fiberglass resin cleanup, and carbon epoxy surface cleaning. It has a high flash point (216 °F) and fire point (244 °F), low odor, and stable performance across a wide temperature range, and is well-suited for sealant removal prior to repair or reapplication in aviation maintenance environments.
MPK (Methyl n-Propyl Ketone): Precision Solvent for Controlled Cleaning
MPK (Methyl n-Propyl Ketone) is used in aviation maintenance as a precision solvent for controlled, high-performance cleaning where strong solvency is needed without the volatility of acetone or MEK. It’s excellent for synthetic resins, epoxies, acrylics, and coatings, making it ideal for surface prep, touch-up coating, and targeted contaminant removal. Compared to acetone and MEK, MPK has a medium evaporation rate, so you have more working time on wipes and surfaces and less vapor release during hand-wipe ops.
MPK is preferred for applications requiring fast, aggressive cleaning with improved control, especially in aerospace environments that require NESHAP compliance. Because of its flammability and vapor pressure, proper ventilation, verification of material compatibility, and safe handling procedures are essential when using it.
Matching the Right Solvent to the Task
No single solvent will fit every single shop task, which is why you need a variety of effective solutions. You need solutions for light cleaning and solvents for heavy contamination, as well as general degreasing, sealant removal, and adhesive removal.
Solving the Procurement and Logistics Hurdle with Greenwood Aerospace
Cleaning solvents will remain an important part of aircraft maintenance and repair for as long as airplanes and helicopters remain in service. Like any other machinery and equipment, aircraft build up a lot of grime and filth over time, especially if they are operated extensively in high-grit or high-humidity environments, as military aircraft often are.
Solvents are an effective way to quickly cut through grime, especially on components like brake assemblies that get extremely dirty but are rebuilt and have to be completely clean for reassembly.
Greenwood Aerospace is your go-to supplier of industrial solvents. With a wide range of quantities and packaging options, we can supply your shop's needs from small-scale FOB to a full-blown depot maintenance supply point.
ITAR-registered and AS9120B-certified, Greenwood Aerospace supports defense contractors with compliant export solutions for military programs.
Contract specifics:
GSA Contract Number: 47QSMS25D00B8
UEI: KVSUYYSJS174 · DUNS: 604006874 · Cage Code: 2Y735
ITAR DDTC Export Compliant · NAICS: 488190, 336413, 332722, 336411, 481212, 532411
Availability questions, expedited shipping, or large orders? Reach out to us at gsasales@greenwood.aero | 580-865-6000 | 833-GSA-EBUY
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