ZESTRON’s Terry Price will be Presenting at SMTAI

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

ZESTRON is pleased to announce that Terry Price, PhD will be presenting, “pH Neutral Cleaning Agents: Technology and Performance” with Axel Vargas of Lockheed Martin at SMTA International on September 24.

Presentation/Paper Abstract:

Effective electronic assembly cleaning is greatly challenged due to component miniaturization, larger component packages, higher lead counts, reduced conductor spacing, tighter pitch and lower standoffs. Added to these geometry challenges, greater use of lead-free solder paste and the increasing trend of multiple thermal cycles result in difficult to remove burnt-in flux residues. However, these challenges are overcome with the use of engineered aqueous-based cleaning agents.

Modern cleaning agents can be alkaline or pH neutral depending on the degree of solvency required. Each are environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable and HAP free. However, in addition to excellent material compatibility and ease of handling, pH neutral formulations have the added advantage of potentially eliminating the need for waste water neutralization.

Effective cleaning processes require an optimized balance of mechanical, thermal, and chemical energy. Cleaning agents provide the chemical energy. As electronic assemblies are completely washed with the cleaning agent, the cleaning agents are formulated with inhibition packages in order to ensure effective material compatibility with the substrate and component materials. To maintain a stable pH value throughout the life of the wash solution, pH neutral cleaning agent formulations contain buffering packages preserving the pH level as flux residues accumulate with the wash solution.

Along with Dr. Price’s presentation, ZESTRON will be exhibiting at booth #623. Please visit us to discuss cleaning solutions applicable to your electronics engineering or manufacturing process.