Select the solvent used to clean acrylics and rubber.

• A. Water
• B. Isopropyl alcohol
• C. Aliphatic naptha
• D. Xylene

Answer: (C)

When choosing a cleaner for acrylics and rubber, you want a solvent that dissolves oils and residues without attacking the plastic or elastomer. Aliphatic naptha is a non-polar hydrocarbon solvent that effectively dissolves hydrocarbon-based contaminants like oils and greases and some adhesives, while being gentler on acrylics and rubbers than stronger aromatic solvents. It also tends to evaporate cleanly, leaving little residue, which is ideal before bonding or painting. Water doesn’t remove oils, and polar solvents like isopropyl alcohol can interact with rubbers or some adhesives. Aromatic solvents such as xylene are stronger and more likely to cause swelling or crazing in acrylics and certain rubbers. So aliphatic naptha provides the right balance of solvency and material compatibility for cleaning acrylics and rubber.