In industries like electronics, optics, and pharmaceuticals, cleanroom wipes are often used with alcohol-based solvents to ensure dust-free, residue-free surfaces. Two common choices are ethanol and isopropanol (IPA) — but which offers better performance?
1. Chemical Composition
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Ethanol: Usually in 70–75% concentration; known for general disinfection and mild odor.
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Isopropanol (IPA): Available in 70% or 99.9% purity; stronger solvent properties, especially effective for oils and fingerprints.
2. Cleaning Performance Comparison
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Oil and Dirt Removal: IPA has stronger degreasing ability, making it ideal for delicate surfaces like lenses and electronic components.
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Evaporation and Residue: Both evaporate quickly, but high-purity IPA leaves less residue and dries faster.
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Compatibility with Wipes: IPA is more compatible with cleanroom wipes, minimizing fiber shedding or surface damage.
3. Safety and Use Scenarios
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Ethanol: Suitable for general cleaning and biological surface disinfection.
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Isopropanol: Better suited for industrial-level precision cleaning in cleanrooms and static-sensitive environments. Always use with proper ventilation and ESD protection.
✅Conclusion:
For high-precision applications like semiconductor, lens, or hard drive cleaning, IPA (isopropanol) with cleanroom wipes is the preferred choice due to its superior cleaning efficiency and low residue.