Definition
A clear, fast-evaporating organic solvent used in aircraft maintenance to clean surfaces, thin certain paints and dopes, and prepare materials for bonding. It is highly flammable, releases strong vapors, and must be used with proper ventilation and personal protective equipment.
Plain English
A strong cleaning solvent used in aircraft shops to clean parts, thin some paints, and prep surfaces before gluing or painting. It evaporates quickly and is flammable, so it has to be handled carefully.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance instructions, surface preparation procedures, cleaning guidance, and safety precautions for solvents.
Derivation
The chemical name 'methyl ethyl ketone' describes its molecular structure. Knowing it is a ketone (a family of organic solvents) helps explain why it dissolves paints, resins, and adhesives so effectively.
Why Pilots Care
Clean surfaces are essential for structural repairs and paint adhesion; residue can weaken bonds or cause corrosion.
Intuition Check
MEK is not just a general-purpose cleaner. In aircraft maintenance, it means a specific strong, flammable chemical solvent that must be matched to the material and used with proper ventilation and protection.
Example Sentence 1
Before bonding the patch, the technician wiped the repair area with MEK to remove oils and contaminants.
Example Sentence 2
MEK was applied to remove the old sealant from the fuel tank access panel.