High-Performance Oil Pads: Selection & Eco-Use Guide

In industrial maintenance, water surface oil spill treatment, and various cleaning scenarios, high-performance oil absorbent pads have become the ideal solution for oil contamination challenges due to their excellent adsorption performance and eco-friendly properties. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the core advantages, selection criteria, and usage tips for oil absorbent pads, helping you make informed choices and use them efficiently to achieve both environmental protection and cost savings.

1. Core Advantages of High-Performance Oil Absorbent Pads

  • Highly Efficient Oil Absorption with Precise Targeting
    Made from superfine fiber technology (polypropylene material), these pads can absorb up to 10 times their own weight in oil. Their selective oil absorption means they absorb only oil without taking in water, which is especially useful for cleaning oil floating on water surfaces.

  • Safe and Environmentally Friendly, Preventing Secondary Pollution
    Free of chemical reagents, these pads rely on pure physical adsorption, ensuring no harmful substances are released during oil recovery. The recovered oil can be directly recycled or incinerated, minimizing environmental risks.

  • Durable and Reusable, Reducing Costs Over Time
    Constructed with multi-layer polypropylene and high-temperature pressing, the pads have a dense, wear-resistant structure that resists shedding even when saturated with oil. They support multiple uses (depending on the oil type), effectively lowering long-term costs.

  • User-Friendly Design for Flexibility and Convenience
    The perforated edges allow easy tearing to size for different applications. Lightweight and easy to carry, they also save storage space.

2. Five Key Criteria for Selecting High-Performance Oil Absorbent Pads

  • Material Certification
    Confirm 100% polypropylene composition. High-quality raw materials ensure strong absorption and durability. Look for environmental certifications like ROHS and SGS.

  • Oil Absorption Performance Testing
    Choose products labeled with an oil absorption capacity of at least 10 times their own weight. Verify oil-water selectivity by placing the pad on an oil-water mixture to ensure it absorbs oil only.

  • Structural Stability
    Check that fiber layers are tightly bonded and edges resist tearing. Good products maintain integrity even when fully saturated with oil.

  • Form Factor Adaptability
    Select size and format based on application: large sheets for industrial-scale oil spills, smaller or pre-scored pads for home or lab use.

  • Balance Between Environmental Impact and Cost
    Ask about reuse frequency (quality pads can often be reused 3-5 times) and whether waste pads support professional recycling or incineration, prioritizing eco-friendly materials.

3. Four-Step Efficient Usage Guide

  • Step 1: Preparation and Protection
    Wear gloves to avoid direct skin contact. Tear off pad sizes covering at least 1.2 times the oil spill area.

  • Step 2: Precise Coverage and Absorption
    For water surface oil, lay the pad flat and press edges for full contact. For equipment or floor oil stains, cover and press to speed oil penetration.

  • Step 3: Recovery and Regeneration
    When saturated (darker color), use tools to lift and drain oil, collecting pads in sealed containers. Before reuse, remove oil via squeezing or centrifugation, avoiding tearing.

  • Step 4: Proper Storage
    Store unused pads in a dry, shaded place away from heat and chemicals. Dry and seal used pads after oil removal to prevent dust contamination.

4. Safety Precautions

Keep away from fire sources due to flammability after oil absorption. Store unused and contaminated pads separately to avoid cross-contamination. Promptly retrieve pads after water surface use to maintain performance. Use specialized pads for corrosive or high-temperature oils.

5. Recommended Application Scenarios

  • Industrial equipment oil leaks and workshop floor cleaning

  • Rapid oil spill response on rivers and ports

  • Automotive repair oil absorption

  • Laboratory precision instrument oil leakage control

6. Conclusion

High-performance oil absorbent pads redefine oil spill cleanup standards through efficient absorption, safety, and reusability. By selecting products based on material quality, performance, and durability, and using them with precise coverage and timely recovery, you can maximize their value while achieving both economic and environmental benefits.

Cleanroom Wiper Mfrs: Key Production & Testing

Cleanroom wipers are essential consumables in cleanrooms and high-precision manufacturing environments. The quality of these products directly impacts the cleanliness and yield of downstream production. To stand out in the competitive market, cleanroom wiper manufacturers must possess strong production and testing capabilities to ensure product stability and reliability. This article provides a detailed overview of the production environment, technological equipment, testing capabilities, and innovation support that manufacturers should have, helping enterprises make informed decisions when choosing suppliers.

1. Production Capability Requirements for Cleanroom Wiper Manufacturers

  1. High-Cleanliness Production Environment
    Cleanroom wipers must be produced in strict cleanroom environments such as Class 10, 100, 1000, or even 10,000 cleanrooms to minimize the risk of the product itself becoming a secondary contamination source. For example, Shenzhen Uster Technology Co., Ltd. has multi-level cleanrooms that ensure products meet high cleanliness standards.

  2. Advanced Materials and Technologies

  • Microfiber Processing Technology: Differentiated spinning and weaving processes for polyester (PET), polyamide (nylon), and other fibers to ensure uniformity and strong adsorption capacity.

  • Antistatic Technology: Incorporation of conductive fibers or surface coatings to achieve antistatic functions, meeting the requirements of the electronics and semiconductor industries. The mainstream method is to add conductive threads.

  1. Automated Production Equipment
    Equipped with laser cutting machines, ultrasonic cutting machines, circular knitting machines, pure water systems, heat presses, automatic laminators, and more, to guarantee precise dimensions, lint-free edges, high production efficiency, and consistent product quality. Uster owns over 1,200 advanced machines enabling highly automated and large-scale production.

  2. Comprehensive Quality Management System
    Certified with ISO 9001 and compliant with RoHS, FDA, CE, and other relevant industry standards to ensure products meet international quality and safety requirements.

  3. Strong Production Capacity
    Sufficient equipment and skilled personnel to support large-volume and high-standard delivery, meeting diverse and urgent customer demands.

2. Testing Capability Requirements for Cleanroom Wiper Manufacturers

  1. Particle Control Testing

  • Liquid and Dry Particle Counting: Measure the number of particles released from the wiper in wet or dry states to control product cleanliness.

  • Fiber Shedding: Test the number of fibers larger than 100μm to evaluate lint-free performance.

  1. Chemical Performance Testing

  • Heavy Metal Ion and Residue Testing: Analyze sodium, potassium, chloride ions, and non-volatile residues to ensure material safety.

  • pH and Chemical Stability: Confirm stability after exposure to solvents or disinfectants.

  1. Physical Performance Testing

  • Absorption Capacity: Test absorption speed and volume in accordance with industry standards such as SJ/T 11480.

  • Abrasion Resistance and Strength: Friction and tensile strength tests to verify durability.

  1. Electrostatic Properties Testing
    Measure conductivity and electrostatic potential to meet antistatic requirements in the electronics industry.

  2. Third-Party Certifications and Reports
    Collaborate with authoritative testing bodies (e.g., SGS, Zhongxi Testing Center) to provide CMA certifications, microparticle detection reports, and enhance product credibility.

Top manufacturers typically possess comprehensive testing equipment and experienced quality control teams. For instance, Uster operates more than 80 types of testing devices including liquid particle counters, ion chromatographs, and dust particle counters, ensuring results comply with international standards.

3. Supporting Capabilities and Innovation

  1. Customized Solutions
    Offer tailored sizes, materials, and functionalities based on the specific requirements of industries such as semiconductors, biomedicine, and optics.

  2. Eco-friendly Material Applications
    Use bio-based and biodegradable fibers to respond to environmental sustainability trends.

  3. Cleaning and Sterilization Services
    Provide ultra-clean washing and sterilization capabilities to produce high-grade (e.g., Class 10) cleanroom wipers, meeting medical and ultra-clean industry demands.

4. Conclusion

The core competitiveness of a cleanroom wiper manufacturer lies in integrating a highly clean production environment, advanced material technology, rigorous testing procedures, and continuous innovation. Selecting suppliers with these capabilities ensures stable product quality and helps downstream enterprises improve yield and product safety, creating a win-win situation.

Ultrafine Cleanroom Wipes: Materials, Standards & Pricing

In fields requiring extremely high cleanliness such as precision manufacturing, electronic component production, and optical instrument cleaning, ultrafine cleanroom wipes have become indispensable cleaning consumables due to their excellent performance. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of their core features from three perspectives: material composition, technical standards, and pricing structure.

1. Material Analysis: Polyester-Nylon Composite Fiber and Plain Weave Process

The core material of ultrafine cleanroom wipes is microfiber, scientifically blended with 80% polyester (PET) and 20% nylon (polyamide):

  • Polyester provides excellent abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and chemical resistance, ensuring the wipe remains durable during repeated use.

  • Nylon adds softness and enhances liquid absorption, reducing the risk of scratching delicate surfaces during wiping.

The wipes are manufactured using a plain weave process, tightly interlacing warp and weft fibers to create a uniform and smooth fabric surface. This process significantly reduces fiber shedding and pilling, minimizing particulate residue during wiping to meet stringent cleanliness requirements.

2. Technical Standards: Cleanliness Class, Basis Weight, and Sizes

  1. Cleanliness Class

    • Minimum standard: Class 1000 (ISO Class 6), allowing no more than 1000 particles ≥0.5μm per cubic foot of air, suitable for semiconductor packaging and LCD assembly.

    • High-end grades: Class 100 or even Class 10 wipes meet more demanding cleanliness levels, with corresponding price increases.

    • Note: Some small manufacturers may produce ultrafine wipes that do not meet these standards, so buyer caution is advised.

  2. Basis Weight Range
    Ultrafine wipes have a relatively high basis weight compared to regular polyester or sub-microfiber wipes, typically ranging from 160g/m² to 220g/m². Users can choose based on specific needs.

  3. Common Sizes

    • 4-inch (~10cm×10cm): For precision instruments and miniature component cleaning.

    • 6-inch (~15cm×15cm): For laboratory equipment and optical lens maintenance.

    • 9-inch (~23cm×23cm): For electronic circuit boards and mechanical part wiping.

    • 12-inch (~30cm×30cm): For large surface dust removal or industrial equipment maintenance.

3. Pricing Structure: Multi-Factor Influences

Ultrafine cleanroom wipes generally range from 25 to 100 RMB per pack (usually 100 pieces per pack, 4-inch packs often contain 400 pieces), with key factors affecting price including:

  1. Size and Basis Weight
    Larger size and heavier weight mean more material usage and higher cost.

  2. Cleanliness Class
    Basic Class 1000 wipes are more affordable; Class 100 or better grades are pricier due to more complex manufacturing and cleaning processes.

  3. Packaging and Brand
    Vacuum-sealed packaging and well-known brands carry a premium but offer superior quality and batch consistency, suitable for companies with strict quality demands.

4. Purchasing Recommendations: Match Needs with Cost-Effectiveness

  • Electronics Assembly: Choose Class 1000 or Class 100, 9-inch wipes weighing 180g/m² for balanced cost and dust removal efficiency.

  • Biological Laboratories: Prioritize Class 100, 9-inch wipes weighing 200g/m² to ensure sterile environments.

  • Routine Industrial Maintenance: Economic 9-inch wipes at 160g/m² suffice for basic cleaning tasks.

It is recommended to purchase through official channels and request material test reports and cleanliness certifications to avoid contamination risks from inferior products. Matching technical parameters to application scenarios maximizes wipe performance and supports cost savings.

Cleanroom Wiping Paper: Standards & Guidelines

1. Product Introduction
Cleanroom wiping paper is a high-performance cleaning consumable specially designed for clean environments. It is widely used in electronics manufacturing, optical instruments, medical devices, precision machinery, and other fields with strict dust-free requirements. Its core function is to efficiently remove surface contaminants while preventing fiber shedding or secondary contamination, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the production environment and product yield.

2. Material and Process Standards

  • Material Composition:
    The wiping paper adopts a nonwoven composite structure made of 45% polyester and 55% wood pulp fibers.

  • Polyester fibers: Provide high strength, chemical resistance, wear resistance, and tear resistance, reducing fiber shedding during wiping.

  • Wood pulp fibers: Enhance liquid absorption and softness, improving the adsorption of fine particles.

  • Basis Weight (GSM):
    The unit weight ranges between 56-68 g/m², classified by application scenarios:

    • Standard type (56-60 g/m²): General wiping for routine cleaning.

    • Enhanced type (61-68 g/m²): For high absorption needs or heavily contaminated scenarios.

3. Physical Performance Requirements

Test Item Test Standard Qualification Criteria
Tensile Strength (MD) GB/T 24218.3 Must meet customer requirements
Absorption Rate (DI Water) GB/T 24218.6 Must meet customer requirements
Fiber Shedding IEST-RP-CC004.3 Must meet customer requirements
Abrasion Resistance (Dry) ASTM D3886 Must meet customer requirements

4. Chemical Cleanliness Standards
Cleanroom wiping paper is generally produced in Class 10,000 cleanrooms and is not washable. It is suitable for lower cleanliness or peripheral cleanroom use. For environments requiring Class 10,000 or better cleanliness, cleanroom wipes are recommended, which can meet up to Class 10 cleanliness.

5. Packaging and Labeling Specifications

  • Packaging Formats:

    • Roll form: Also called jumbo roll wiping paper, with 500 sheets per roll, convenient for pull-out use.

    • Bagged form: Also known as 0609 wiping paper, individually sealed packages containing 150-1200 sheets depending on size.

  • Color Coding:
    White, blue, and green are common colors. In electronics, white is more widely used, while blue and green are more common in industrial wiping scenarios. In China, white is predominant, whereas blue and green are more popular in Europe and America.

6. Testing and Certification
Customers can request RoHS certification and TDS (Technical Data Sheet) reports from suppliers to ensure compliance.

7. Application Guidelines

  • Electronics Industry:
    Recommended use with IPA solvent for wiping PCB boards; single sheet single-direction wiping is advised.

  • Optical Field:
    Prefer blue-colored microfiber laminated products to avoid scratching coated surfaces.

  • Medical Sterilization:
    Compatibility verification with EO/γ-ray sterilization is required; packaging materials must comply with YY/T 0698.2.

Summary:
Standardized production and scientific selection of industrial cleanroom wiping paper are crucial to maintaining modern industrial cleanliness. Users are advised to choose wiping papers based on actual scenario requirements, considering material properties, cleanliness level, and packaging formats, while regularly verifying suppliers’ test reports and compliance documentation.

Oil Absorbent Papers: Selection Guide for Spills

Industrial oil absorbent papers are essential cleaning consumables widely used in manufacturing and maintenance. They mainly fall into three categories based on material and performance: heavy-duty oil absorbent wipes, cleanroom-compatible oil absorbent wipes, and oil absorbent pads. Different application scenarios demand different types of oil absorbents. Choosing the right product not only improves cleaning efficiency but also reduces costs and contamination risks. Here’s a detailed guide on selecting industrial oil absorbent papers for various scenarios.

1. Wiping Oil from Mechanical Equipment

Oil stains on machinery are typically small amounts caused by routine production leakage. For such cases, heavy-duty oil absorbent wipes are recommended.

  • Product Features:
    Made from advanced MELTBLOWN polypropylene material, these wipes offer exceptional oil absorption, capable of absorbing several times their own weight.

  • Packaging:
    Available in folded sheets or roll formats. Rolls have a perforated design for easy tear-off of single sheets, often paired with a dedicated dispenser for convenience.

  • Typical Industries:
    Widely used in metal processing, energy, power generation, and machinery manufacturing for routine oil stain cleaning.

2. Wiping Oil in Cleanroom Environments

Cleanrooms require extremely low particulate levels, so oil wiping must meet strict low-dust and high-absorption standards. Thus, cleanroom-compatible oil absorbent wipes are necessary.

  • Advantages:
    Low particle shedding meets cleanroom standards, preventing secondary contamination, while maintaining strong oil absorption.

  • Applications:
    Ideal for semiconductor, electronics manufacturing, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and other high-purity environments.

3. Emergency Response for Oil Spills

In cases of large oil spills, standard oil absorbent wipes are insufficient. Heavy-duty oil absorbent pads are recommended.

  • Shapes and Uses:
    Available in sheets, rolls, and pillow shapes to suit different needs. For example, roll pads can be used to surround and contain spills, effectively preventing spread; sheets are suitable for large-scale absorption such as offshore oil spill cleanup.

  • Material and Performance:
    Made of superfine polypropylene fibers, these pads absorb up to ten times their own weight in oil. They absorb oil but repel water, making them perfect for cleaning oil spills on water surfaces.

Summary:

Choosing the right industrial oil absorbent paper depends on the specific application and type of oil contamination. Heavy-duty oil absorbent wipes suit routine mechanical equipment cleaning, cleanroom oil wiping requires low-lint oil absorbent wipes, and large oil spill emergencies demand heavy-duty absorbent pads. Proper selection ensures a cleaner production environment, enhances oil spill management efficiency, and supports safer, environmentally friendly operations.

Industrial Wipes: Types & Selection Guide

Industrial wipes are essential cleaning consumables widely used in manufacturing, equipment maintenance, and precision processing. Based on material and performance differences, industrial wipes can be categorized into three main types: Wood pulp + polyester composite, Wood pulp + polypropylene (PP) composite, and 100% polypropylene (PP). This article provides an in-depth analysis of the characteristics, core advantages, and typical applications of each type to help users make informed selections.

1. Classification Analysis: Material and Performance Comparison

  • Wood Pulp + Polyester Composite Wipes

    • Representative Products: Cleanroom wipes, multi-purpose wipes, SMT stencil wipes

    • Material Features: Wood pulp offers excellent liquid absorption, while polyester (PET) enhances abrasion resistance and tear strength.

    • Core Advantages: Suitable for both wet and dry use with low linting, ideal for environments with high cleanliness requirements, and leaves no fiber or particle residues after wiping.

  • Wood Pulp + Polypropylene (PP) Composite Wipes

    • Representative Products: Multi-purpose wipes

    • Material Features: Wood pulp improves water absorption; PP fibers provide softness, chemical resistance, and oil absorption.

    • Core Advantages: Economical and functional, reusable after washing, suitable for routine cleaning of oils and water stains, and gentle on surfaces.

  • 100% Polypropylene (PP) Wipes

    • Representative Products: Heavy-duty oil-absorbing wipes

    • Material Features: Made entirely of PP fibers through special processing, hydrophobic and oleophilic, capable of absorbing several times their own weight in oil.

    • Core Advantages: Designed specifically for oily contaminants, acid and alkali resistant, suitable for heavy oil pollution environments.

2. Typical Application Scenarios

  • Precision Electronics Manufacturing

    • Suitable Types: Wood pulp + polyester composite wipes (e.g., SMT stencil wipes, cleanroom wipes)

    • Applications: Cleaning solder paste residues from SMT stencil holes, wiping PCBs and other precision components to prevent static and particulate contamination, reducing equipment clogging risk.

  • Machining and Automotive Maintenance

    • Suitable Types: 100% PP heavy-duty oil wipes

    • Applications: Cleaning cutting fluids and lubricants from machine tools, absorbing oil leaks and hydraulic fluids in automotive repair, improving operational safety and efficiency.

  • Food and Pharmaceutical Industry

    • Suitable Types: Wood pulp + PP multi-purpose wipes

    • Applications: Cleaning equipment surfaces and water spills on production lines, used with food-grade disinfectants to meet hygiene standards.

  • Laboratories and Cleanrooms

    • Suitable Types: Wood pulp + polyester cleanroom wipes

    • Applications: Wiping laboratory instruments and cleanroom surfaces, used with solvents like alcohol or acetone to prevent cross-contamination.

3. Selection Recommendations

  • By contaminant type:

    • Oil-based contaminants → 100% PP oil-absorbing wipes

    • Water-based or mixed contaminants → Wood pulp composite wipes

  • By environmental cleanliness requirements:

    • Higher cleanliness → Cleanroom wipes or SMT-specific wipes

    • Regular workshops → Multi-purpose wipes

  • By cost control:

    • High-frequency use → Economical wood pulp + PP wipes, reusable

    • High-value scenarios → Wood pulp + polyester wipes with low lint and dust

4. Summary

Selecting the right industrial wipe can effectively improve cleaning efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Wood pulp + polyester wipes excel in high-cleanliness applications, wood pulp + PP wipes offer cost-effective versatility, and 100% PP wipes specialize in oily contaminant cleanup. Enterprises should combine their industry characteristics, contaminant nature, and budget to scientifically select wipes and maximize their value.

Auto Glass Wipes: Selection & Use Guide

In automotive paint shops, cleaning glass residue is a crucial step to ensure the vehicle surface is smooth and free of particulate contamination. Choosing professional residue-removal mesh wipes and mastering proper usage techniques can not only improve cleaning efficiency but also reduce operational costs. This guide provides detailed selection criteria and standardized operating procedures.

1. Selection Guide for Residue-Removal Mesh Wipes

Material Requirements:

  • Polyester + Viscose Composite:

    • Polyester offers high strength and abrasion resistance, suitable for repeated wiping without fiber shedding.

    • Viscose fibers enhance adhesion to residue, enabling thorough removal and minimizing secondary residue.

  • Environmental Safety:

    • Select materials with non-irritating chemical coatings that meet industrial safety standards, avoiding contamination of the workshop environment.

Mesh Design:

  • Unique Mesh Structure:

    • Mesh density should be uniform to trap residue particles while preventing fiber debris.

    • Surface micro-texture increases friction and improves residue removal efficiency.

  • Anti-Static Treatment:

    • Some premium products include anti-static properties to reduce dust attraction and lower particulate contamination risk.

Functionality Verification:

  • Residue Absorption Test:

    • Samples should be tested before purchase to confirm no glue marks or scratches remain on glass after wiping.

  • Durability:

    • After repeated folding, the wipe should maintain structural integrity without tearing or fiber loosening.

Specifications and Cost:

  • Size Adaptation:

    • Choose dimensions (e.g., 30cm×60cm) appropriate for glass area to avoid waste.

  • Cost Performance:

    • Prefer wipes that support multiple folds to maximize cleaning area per piece.

Brand and Certification:

  • Choose large industrial wipe manufacturers for product consistency and reliability, such as Shenzhen Youste Technology Co., Ltd., known for high quality and cost-effectiveness.

  • Reference collaboration with leading automotive manufacturers as proof of credibility.

2. Standard Operating Procedures for Residue-Removal Mesh Wipes

Operation Steps:

  • Pre-treatment:

    • Wear dust-proof gloves to avoid transferring hand oils to glass.

    • Unfold wipe and inspect for foreign matter.

  • Initial Wiping:

    • Wipe in a single direction across the glass surface at a uniform speed to leverage mesh structure for residue capture, avoiding back-and-forth friction that causes scratches.

  • Reuse by Folding:

    • After using one side, fold along the center line with the clean side facing out, and continue wiping.

    • Repeat folding multiple times until all clean surfaces are used.

  • Residue Disposal:

    • After wiping, fold used sides inward to prevent residue spreading.

    • Dispose of wipes in designated waste bins for centralized treatment.

Precautions:

  • Replacement Frequency:

    • Recommend replacing wipe after cleaning 1–2 glass panels to prevent residue buildup affecting effectiveness.

  • Prohibited Actions:

    • Avoid pressing hard to prevent residue penetrating deep into fibers.

  • Storage Requirements:

    • Store in a dry, dust-free environment to avoid moisture or oil contamination.

Safety and Efficiency Optimization:

  • Train operators regularly on correct usage and folding techniques to minimize waste.

  • Use low-volatile cleaners (e.g., neutral glue removers) to enhance removal of stubborn residues.

3. Why Choose Professional Residue-Removal Mesh Wipes?

  • Reduced Contamination Risk:

    • Mesh structure traps particulates, reducing dust pollution and meeting cleanliness standards of paint shops.

  • Cost Savings:

    • Multiple folds extend usage area, reducing the quantity of wipes needed compared to regular nonwoven fabrics.

  • Efficiency Improvement:

    • High absorption and durability shorten cleaning time, supporting high-speed assembly lines.

4. Conclusion

Proper selection and use of residue-removal mesh wipes are essential for ensuring glass surface quality and controlling costs in automotive manufacturing. Enterprises should evaluate materials, functions, and operating procedures comprehensively to choose efficient cleaning solutions tailored to their production needs.

PCB Cleanroom Wipes: Selection & Use Guide

In the precision-demanding fields of PCB manufacturing and electronics, the choice of cleanroom wipes directly influences product quality and production environment cleanliness. This guide provides an in-depth overview of how to select and properly use cleanroom wipes specifically for PCB circuit board cleaning, covering material selection, edge finishing, size, cleanliness level, and practical usage tips.

1. Cleanroom Wipe Selection Guide

Material Selection:

  • Polyester Fiber: Most standard cleanroom wipes use 100% polyester double-knit fabric. This material offers a soft surface with low fiber shedding due to friction, suitable for general PCB cleaning tasks.

  • Ultrafine Fiber: Made from 80% polyester and 20% nylon blend, ultrafine wipes provide superior liquid absorption and are ideal for precision cleaning tasks such as chips and microprocessors, effectively removing fine particles.

Edge Finishing:

  • Laser Edge Sealing: Uses high-temperature fusion to melt fibers, reducing lint generation. Edges are relatively rigid but ensure high cleanliness, fitting most PCB cleaning scenarios.

  • Ultrasonic Edge Sealing: Offers softer edges, better for highly sensitive surfaces like optical components, though at a higher cost.

  • Avoid Raw Cut Edges: Unsealed wipes tend to shed lint, posing risk of secondary contamination.

Basis Weight and Size:

  • Basis Weight: Polyester wipes with ≥120g/m² balance absorption and durability. Ultrafine wipes with ≥120g/m² are also recommended for enhanced performance.

  • Size: Common sizes include 4″×4″, 6″×6″, and 9″×9″. Larger wipes (9″) suit broad surface cleaning, while smaller sizes are better for delicate or confined areas. The 9″ size is widely used.

Cleanliness Grade:

  • Choose wipes based on the production environment’s cleanroom class. For example, Class 100 cleanrooms require Class 100 cleanroom wipes.

Additional Features:

  • Anti-Static: Wipes with anti-static properties (often achieved via conductive fibers) prevent static buildup and dust attraction, safeguarding PCB performance. For less stringent needs, solvent-wetting can reduce static.

  • Pre-Wetted Options: Some wipes come pre-impregnated with alcohol (e.g., IPA), reducing on-site spraying. More common internationally than domestically.

2. Proper Usage of Cleanroom Wipes

Pre-Wetting:

  • Use high-purity solvents such as ≥99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or ethanol.

  • Ensure uniform wetting via controlled soaking devices to avoid overly wet or dry spots.

Unpacking Procedures:

  • Perform unpacking in Class 1000 or higher cleanroom environments, wearing cleanroom garments, gloves, and masks.

  • Wipe the outer packaging opening with a cleanroom wipe moistened with solvent to prevent external contamination.

Wiping Techniques:

  • Fold wipes to enclose edges internally, preventing lint from edges contacting PCB surfaces—especially important for ultrasonic sealed wipes which can be abrasive.

  • Use unidirectional wiping with light, consistent pressure to avoid redeposition of particles or surface scratching.

  • Adjust wiping force according to PCB surface sensitivity, with extra care on pads or sensitive areas.

Solvent Use:

  • Apply enough solvent to moisten the wipe without dripping to avoid residue from evaporation.

  • Test new solvents on small PCB areas first to confirm compatibility and avoid corrosion.

Storage and Reuse:

  • Seal unused wipes immediately to prevent dust absorption.

  • High-end wipes may be reused after cleaning with ultrapure water (18 MΩ·cm) and drying in a cleanroom; ordinary wipes are generally single-use.

3. Important Precautions

  • Wear anti-static wristbands and ensure grounded workstations to prevent ESD damage to components.

  • Avoid wiping multiple areas with the same wipe to reduce cross-contamination risks.

  • Regularly monitor cleanroom temperature and humidity.

4. Recommended Brands and Models

  • Brands: Preferably YUSTER (domestic) or TEXWIPE (international).

  • Models:

    • K122 Series: 120g basis weight, laser or ultrasonic sealed edges, suitable for PCB boards and applications involving liquids. Available in four sizes.

    • K610 Series: 180g basis weight ultrafine fiber with laser or ultrasonic sealing, excellent absorption for high-precision cleaning.

Summary

For budget-conscious scenarios, 120g laser-cut polyester wipes provide reliable cleaning. For higher requirements and budgets, 180g laser-cut ultrafine fiber wipes offer enhanced absorption and gentler cleaning for delicate PCB surfaces.

Semiconductor Contaminants: Molecular Cleanliness

As the crown jewel of modern industry, semiconductor manufacturing demands an extraordinarily clean production environment, reaching molecular-level cleanliness standards. With the advancement to 3-nanometer node technology, controlling contaminants during production has become a core factor determining industry competitiveness. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the four major contamination threats faced by the semiconductor industry: particulate contamination, organic contamination, chemical residue contamination, and electrostatic hazards, along with their specific impacts and control measures.

1. Particulate Contamination

Even in a Class 100 cleanroom environment, particles sized 0.5 microns can still cause critical defects. The risks from particulate contamination mainly include:

  • Physical Hazards:

    • Electrostatic carriers: Moving dust particles carry static charges that cause contamination. Static electricity leads to equipment damage and performance degradation, increasing rework and scrap rates, thereby reducing production efficiency and increasing costs.

    • Circuit damage: Particles larger than the circuit spacing can cause shorts. For example, metal microparticles on a 300mm wafer surface can cause line bridging during photolithography, potentially scrapping the entire wafer.

    • Mechanical damage: Hard particles such as residual 0.03 μm aluminum oxide abrasives can scratch wafer surfaces during CMP processes, altering surface roughness and causing lattice defects in subsequent film deposition.

  • Impact on Equipment Reliability:

    • Particulates can cause seal failures in precision equipment joints.

    • Accelerated wear of moving parts due to particulate abrasion.

2. Organic Contamination

Organic silicon contamination is a major issue for process nodes below 28nm, with the following impacts:

  • Organic Silicon Hazards:

    • Oxidative reactions form hard silicate deposits that damage surfaces. Studies show that 1 ppb organic silicon vapor on a 300mm wafer surface can cause transistor threshold voltage shifts of up to 15%.

    • Reduces reliability of rotating machinery.

  • Process Effects:

    • Deteriorates the density of gate oxide layers, impacting device performance.

    • Generates by-products during high-temperature processing that affect product consistency.

3. Chemical Residue Contamination

Metal ion contamination exhibits a cascading amplification effect, especially copper ions with a migration rate up to 1×10^6 cm²/(V·s):

  • Ionic Contamination (Mobility Hazards):

    • Metal ion migration causes device failures.

    • Active ions trigger electrochemical corrosion on metal surfaces.

  • Non-Volatile Residues:

    • Electrolyte residues induce abnormal etching reactions.

    • Compound formation creates hard-to-remove by-products that degrade product quality.

4. Electrostatic Hazards

  • Generation Mechanisms:

    • Charge generation through contact-separation (triboelectric effect).

    • Electrostatic induction from external electric fields.

  • Destructive Mechanisms:

    • Electrostatic attraction or repulsion interferes with precise component placement.

    • Dielectric breakdown occurs when static voltage exceeds IC tolerance limits.

    • Device miniaturization amplifies sensitivity to electrostatic damage.

Conclusion

In semiconductor manufacturing, contamination types often interact synergistically—for example, particles carrying static charges or organic compounds decomposing into chemical residues—forming complex contamination systems. Modern fabs must implement multi-layered contamination control strategies including environmental controls, material purification, process optimization, and electrostatic discharge prevention to ensure stable production and high yield.

Cleanroom Wipe Tests: 7 Key Standards & Insights

Cleanroom wipes are essential consumables in cleanrooms and high-purity industries such as electronics and pharmaceuticals. Their performance directly affects the cleanliness of production environments and product yield. Currently, multiple testing standards cover aspects such as anti-static properties, particle release, material durability, and sterilization validation. This article systematically summarizes seven mainstream testing standards, explaining their applicable scopes and core requirements, while providing practical interpretation to help enterprises improve product quality and competitiveness.

1. IEST-RP-CC003.4:2011 — Cleanroom Garment System Requirements

Developed by the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST), this standard primarily regulates the production and testing of cleanroom garments and associated fabrics.

  • Material Selection: Woven fabrics preferably use polyester or polyester-carbon composite fibers to reduce particle shedding. Disposable cleanroom garments utilize nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond or meltblown layers.

  • Key Tests:

    • Particle retention rate is evaluated using the Helmke Drum test, focusing on 0.3–0.5 μm particles for cleanliness classification.

    • Sterilization validation must comply with ISO 11137, achieving a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶.

  • Applications: Suitable for high-cleanliness industries like pharmaceuticals and microelectronics.

2. IEST-RP-CC004.4:2019 — Cleanroom Wiping Materials Evaluation

Focuses on functional testing of wipes, including particle residue and anti-static performance.

  • Particle Residue: Evaluates non-volatile residue (NVR) content via microparticle detection methods such as ASTM E1560 gravimetric analysis.

  • Anti-Static Performance: Requires surface resistivity ≤1×10¹¹ Ω and static decay time ≤2 seconds (per IEC 61340-5-1).

  • Suitability Classification: Recommends wipe types according to cleanroom class (ISO 14644-1), e.g., microfiber wipes for higher-class areas.

3. GB/T 24249-2009 — Anti-Static Cleanroom Fabrics (Chinese National Standard)

Specifies performance requirements for anti-static cleanroom apparel and gloves.

  • Technical Requirements:

    • Surface resistivity range of 1×10⁵ to 1×10⁹ Ω to ensure effective static dissipation.

    • Abrasion resistance tested by Martindale method with mass loss ≤5%.

  • Applications: Electronics, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical cleanroom garments.

4. SJ/T 11480-2014 — Anti-Static Cleanroom Wipes (Electronics Industry Standard)

Targets particle and chemical compatibility requirements for electronics wipes.

  • Tests:

    • Non-volatile residue (NVR) ≤0.1 mg/cm² (ASTM E1560).

    • Extractables must comply with electronics cleaning demands.

  • Edge Sealing: Laser or ultrasonic sealing recommended to minimize fiber shedding.

5. FZ/T 64056-2015 — Cleanroom Wipes (Textile Industry Standard)

Covers woven, knitted, and nonwoven wipes, emphasizing particle release and absorbency.

  • Cleanliness: Suitable for ISO Class 5 (Class 100) cleanrooms with particle release ≤300 particles/m³ (≥0.5 μm).

  • Absorbency: Minimum water absorption of 400 g/m² to ensure cleaning efficiency.

6. Seagate Testing Standard

Seagate’s proprietary testing standards can be referenced by industry participants to meet specific customer requirements.

7. Customer Standards

Customer-specific standards are the most critical quality benchmarks.

  • Regardless of industry norms, meeting customers’ cleanliness class and basis weight requirements is essential for product acceptance.

  • Example: One client shifted from low-cost wipes bought on e-commerce platforms (lacking cleanroom classification) to USTER products with guaranteed cleanroom grades (minimum Class 10,000 for wipes and Class 1,000 for microfiber wipes), resulting in a significant quality improvement.

Summary and Recommendations

  1. Selection Basis: Choose products compliant with relevant cleanroom classes (ISO 14644) and industry needs (electronics, pharmaceuticals).

  2. Quality Control Focus: Monitor particle residue, anti-static properties, durability, and sterilization efficacy regularly.

  3. Future Trends: Standards are evolving towards environmental sustainability (e.g., biodegradable nonwovens) and smart testing (real-time particle monitoring).

USTER is committed to continuously raising cleanroom wipe quality standards to support industries in achieving higher cleanliness levels and improved product yields.