Ablebond 967-1 Silver Loaded Epoxy use after expiry date

[courtlm]

I have some ablebond silver loaded epoxy (2 part ready mixed) which has been stored correctly at -40°C, however it has passed it's recommended shelf life (expired 28/02/2012).

We have an urgent order just arrived which needs to use this epoxy, we have some new on order however we are faced with an 8 week lead time!

Does anyone have any experience as to whether the epoxy degrades (either bond strength or conductivity) once it's reached it's expiry date? Are there any tests I can do to check conductivity is still okay?

Any help or suggestions gratefully recieved.

TIA

Courtlm

 

[Compositepro]

The material is very likely to be perfectly okay, but seriously, what do you expect to get from an internet forum? Only you know what your requirements are. What does your quality system allow?

 

[btrueblood]

Back in the days I worked in aerospace, we had a quality plan which tracked expiration dates, and raised flags well in advance, so we could order more on a timely basis. We also had a plan in which we created test samples for peel and shear strength testing, of every freshly-received batch. In the rare instances when we had a situation like yours, we could justify using the material by creating new test sample from the nominally "expired" batch, and comparing results to the original test.

None of which helps you now. But might give you some ideas on how your system could be improved.

 

[ScottyUK]

When I worked in thick film hybrids we would have asked the customer for a concession to use an equal equivalent product if we had one available or could obtain one more quickly. If this is an application where the use of a substitute isn't likely to be permitted because of type qualification tests etc then it probably isn't one where the customer would allow you to risk using expired material. It's their reputation you're potentially gambling with, and depending one what the widget does it could be more than just reputation.

I do agree with CompositePro that it 'probably' will be perfectly ok to use, but wouldn't take the chance. Where I worked anyone who intentionally used out-of-spec material would probably have gone down the road.

 

[MintJulep]

What are the potential liabilities of failure?

Are they greater or less than the costs of waiting 8 weeks?

 

[courtlm]

Thanks for the opinions, all fair and valid points. We have gone with an alternative option now so all sorted. No re-qualification issues or customer concerns.