Rosin is extracted from pine sap and has a characteristic pine odor...It is "organic", but is not water soluble, as anyone who has gotten pin sap on their hands can testify to...Hot water and soap will not easily remove it from your hands, a solvent is needed...I have never seen solder with water soluble flux referred to as having "water-soluble ROSIN", only a "water soluble flux core"...
The purpose of any flux is to chemically clean the joint of oxides and impurities...With some fluxes the chemical reaction will continue if it is not cleaned off, spurred on by atmospheric humidity...
It is very risky using acetone to clean up PCB's since acetone dissolves many plastics and can ruin relays, connector headers, jacks, and some capacitors...Acetone is often used as a cement because it softens some plastics allowing "welding" of the parts...
If one MUST remove rosin flux, the safest solvent is isopropyl alcohol...It best to clean as you go and not wait until the board is finished and then try to clean the whole thing at once...Using an acid brush, it cleans off easier while the joint is still warm...99% isopropyl is best, but you can use the drug store stuff if you take the time to wipe/dab the joint dry with a soft cotton cloth, which I always do anyway...Letting it air dry will leave a residue...
Jerry, wa2dkg
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