Cleaning solutions for electronics
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certification in Cleaning Protocols for Electronics (United States) course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Acidic Solution #
A type of cleaning solution with a pH level below 7, used to remove ionic contaminants from electronic components, such as flux residue and solder splatter, in the Advanced Certification in Cleaning Protocols for Electronics, it is essential to handle acidic solutions with care, as they can be corrosive to certain materials, and to ensure the solution is properly rinsed from the component surface to prevent damage or corrosion, for example, a common acidic solution used in electronics cleaning is a mixture of citric acid and water, which is effective in removing flux residue from printed circuit boards.
Aerosol Cleaning #
A method of cleaning that uses a pressurized canister to dispense a solvent or cleaning solution onto the electronic component, this method is commonly used for delicate or hard-to-reach areas, such as between keys on a keyboard or in tight spaces within a computer chassis, aerosol cleaning can be effective, but it requires caution to avoid over-spraying or damaging surrounding components, for example, when using aerosol cleaning to remove dust from a computer fan, it is essential to hold the canister at a safe distance and to use a soft brush to gently remove any loose debris.
Anionic Surfactant #
A type of surfactant that has a negative charge, used in cleaning solutions to reduce the surface tension of water and to emulsify oils, anionic surfactants are commonly used in aqueous cleaning solutions, such as those used to clean printed circuit boards or electronic assemblies, for example, a common anionic surfactant used in electronics cleaning is sodium lauryl sulfate, which is effective in removing grease and oil from component surfaces.
Aqueous Cleaning #
A method of cleaning that uses water or a water-based solution to remove contaminants from electronic components, aqueous cleaning is a popular choice for cleaning electronics because it is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, however, it can be less effective than solvent-based cleaning methods for removing certain types of contaminants, such as grease or oil, for example, when using aqueous cleaning to remove flux residue from a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Atomic Force Microscopy #
A technique used to inspect and analyze the surface of electronic components at the nanoscale, atomic force microscopy uses a probe to scan the surface of the component and to create a three-dimensional image of the surface topography, this technique is commonly used to inspect the surface of wafers or printed circuit boards for defects or contaminants, for example, when using atomic force microscopy to inspect the surface of a wafer, it is essential to use a sharp probe and to scan the surface at a slow and consistent rate to ensure accurate results.
Cationic Surfactant #
A type of surfactant that has a positive charge, used in cleaning solutions to reduce the surface tension of water and to emulsify oils, cationic surfactants are commonly used in aqueous cleaning solutions, such as those used to clean printed circuit boards or electronic assemblies, for example, a common cationic surfactant used in electronics cleaning is quaternary ammonium compounds, which are effective in removing grease and oil from component surfaces.
Cleaning Protocol #
A set of procedures and guidelines used to clean electronic components, cleaning protocols are designed to ensure that components are properly cleaned and inspected to prevent damage or contamination, cleaning protocols can vary depending on the type of component, the level of contamination, and the desired level of cleanliness, for example, when developing a cleaning protocol for a printed circuit board, it is essential to consider the type of flux used, the level of contamination, and the desired level of cleanliness to ensure that the component is properly cleaned and inspected.
Conductive Anodic Filament #
A type of failure that can occur in electronic components, particularly in printed circuit boards, conductive anodic filament formation occurs when ionic contaminants, such as sodium or chloride, are present on the surface of the component and attract moisture, causing a conducting pathway to form between conductors, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for conductive anodic filament formation, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Contact Angle #
A measure of the wettability of a surface, contact angle is the angle at which a liquid droplet sits on a surface, a low contact angle indicates that the surface is hydrophilic, while a high contact angle indicates that the surface is hydrophobic, for example, when measuring the contact angle of a surface, it is essential to use a goniometer and to measure the angle at which the liquid droplet sits on the surface to determine the wettability of the surface.
Contaminant #
A substance that is present on the surface of an electronic component and can interfere with its functionality or reliability, contaminants can include dust, flux residue, grease, oil, and other substances that can accumulate on the surface of the component, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for contaminants, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of contamination.
Corrosion #
A type of damage that can occur to electronic components, particularly in printed circuit boards, corrosion occurs when ionic contaminants, such as sodium or chloride, are present on the surface of the component and react with moisture to form a conducting pathway between conductors, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for corrosion, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Defluxing #
A process used to remove flux residue from the surface of electronic components, particularly in printed circuit boards, defluxing is typically performed using a solvent-based cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol or acetone, for example, when defluxing a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Dendritic Growth #
A type of failure that can occur in electronic components, particularly in printed circuit boards, dendritic growth occurs when ionic contaminants, such as sodium or chloride, are present on the surface of the component and attract moisture, causing a conducting pathway to form between conductors, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for dendritic growth, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Detergent #
A type of cleaning solution that is used to remove contaminants from electronic components, detergents are typically aqueous solutions that contain surfactants and other additives to help emulsify oils and remove contaminants, for example, when using a detergent to clean a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Dielectric #
A type of material that is used to insulate electronic components, dielectrics are typically non-conductive materials that are used to separate conductors and prevent electrical shorts, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for dielectric integrity, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Electrochemical Migration #
A type of failure that can occur in electronic components, particularly in printed circuit boards, electrochemical migration occurs when ionic contaminants, such as sodium or chloride, are present on the surface of the component and attract moisture, causing a conducting pathway to form between conductors, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for electrochemical migration, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Electrostatic Discharge #
A type of damage that can occur to electronic components, particularly in printed circuit boards, electrostatic discharge occurs when a static electric charge is transferred to the component, causing damage to the component or interference with its functionality, for example, when handling electronic components, it is essential to use anti-static wrist straps and work surfaces to prevent electrostatic discharge.
Flux #
A type of substance that is used to facilitate the soldering process, flux is typically a liquid or paste that is applied to the solder joint to help remove oxides and improve the flow of the solder, for example, when using flux to solder a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a low temperature and a mild flux to avoid damaging the component surface.
Flux Residue #
A type of contaminant that can remain on the surface of electronic components after the soldering process, flux residue can be a source of contamination and can interfere with the functionality of the component, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for flux residue, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of contamination.
Hydrophobic #
A type of surface that is resistant to water and other polar liquids, hydrophobic surfaces are typically non-polar and have a high contact angle with water, for example, when measuring the contact angle of a hydrophobic surface, it is essential to use a goniometer and to measure the angle at which the liquid droplet sits on the surface to determine the wettability of the surface.
Inspection #
A process used to examine electronic components for defects or contaminants, inspection can be performed using a variety of techniques, including visual inspection, microscopy, and spectroscopy, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for defects or contaminants, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Ionic Contaminant #
A type of contaminant that can be present on the surface of electronic components, ionic contaminants are typically polar molecules that can attract moisture and cause electrical failures, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for ionic contaminants, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of contamination.
Microscopy #
A technique used to inspect and analyze the surface of electronic components, microscopy can be performed using a variety of techniques, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, for example, when using microscopy to inspect a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Non #
Polar Solvent: A type of solvent that is used to clean electronic components, non-polar solvents are typically hydrophobic and are used to remove non-polar contaminants, such as grease and oil, for example, when using a non-polar solvent to clean a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Organic Solvent #
A type of solvent that is used to clean electronic components, organic solvents are typically volatile and are used to remove polar and non-polar contaminants, for example, when using an organic solvent to clean a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Particle Counting #
A technique used to count and analyze the number of particles present on the surface of electronic components, particle counting can be performed using a variety of techniques, including optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, for example, when using particle counting to inspect a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of contamination.
PH Level #
A measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, pH level is used to determine the compatibility of a cleaning solution with the surface of an electronic component, for example, when measuring the pH level of a cleaning solution, it is essential to use a pH meter and to measure the pH level of the solution to determine its compatibility with the component surface.
Polar Solvent #
A type of solvent that is used to clean electronic components, polar solvents are typically hydrophilic and are used to remove polar contaminants, such as flux residue and ionic contaminants, for example, when using a polar solvent to clean a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Printed Circuit Board #
A type of electronic component that consists of a substrate with conductors and components mounted on its surface, printed circuit boards are commonly used in a variety of electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and televisions, for example, when inspecting a printed circuit board for defects or contaminants, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Reliability #
A measure of the ability of an electronic component to function properly over a period of time, reliability is an important consideration in the design and manufacture of electronic components, for example, when designing a printed circuit board, it is essential to consider the reliability of the component and to use materials and manufacturing processes that are compatible with the component's intended use.
Rinsing #
A process used to remove cleaning solutions and contaminants from the surface of electronic components, rinsing is typically performed using a solvent or water and is an important step in the cleaning process, for example, when rinsing a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild rinsing solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Scanning Electron Microscopy #
A technique used to inspect and analyze the surface of electronic components, scanning electron microscopy uses a beam of electrons to scan the surface of the component and to create a high-resolution image of the surface topography, for example, when using scanning electron microscopy to inspect a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Solvent #
A type of liquid that is used to dissolve and remove contaminants from electronic components, solvents can be polar or non-polar and are commonly used in the cleaning process, for example, when using a solvent to clean a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Spectroscopy #
A technique used to analyze the composition of electronic components, spectroscopy can be performed using a variety of techniques, including infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy, for example, when using spectroscopy to analyze a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a spectrometer and to analyze the spectrum of the component to determine its composition.
Static Electricity #
A type of electricity that can damage electronic components, static electricity occurs when a static electric charge is transferred to the component, causing damage to the component or interference with its functionality, for example, when handling electronic components, it is essential to use anti-static wrist straps and work surfaces to prevent static electricity.
Surface Energy #
A measure of the energy of a surface, surface energy is used to determine the wettability of a surface and is an important consideration in the cleaning process, for example, when measuring the surface energy of a surface, it is essential to use a goniometer and to measure the contact angle of a liquid droplet on the surface to determine the wettability of the surface.
Surface Tension #
A measure of the energy of a surface, surface tension is used to determine the wettability of a surface and is an important consideration in the cleaning process, for example, when measuring the surface tension of a surface, it is essential to use a goniometer and to measure the contact angle of a liquid droplet on the surface to determine the wettability of the surface.
Surfactant #
A type of molecule that is used to reduce the surface tension of a liquid, surfactants are commonly used in cleaning solutions to emulsify oils and remove contaminants, for example, when using a surfactant to clean a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Transmission Electron Microscopy #
A technique used to inspect and analyze the surface of electronic components, transmission electron microscopy uses a beam of electrons to transmit through the component and to create a high-resolution image of the surface topography, for example, when using transmission electron microscopy to inspect a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a low power microscope and to inspect the surface of the component for any signs of damage or contamination.
Ultrasonic Cleaning #
A method of cleaning that uses high-frequency sound waves to remove contaminants from electronic components, ultrasonic cleaning is commonly used to clean delicate or hard-to-reach areas, such as between keys on a keyboard or in tight spaces within a computer chassis, for example, when using ultrasonic cleaning to remove dust from a computer fan, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Volatile Organic Compound #
A type of molecule that is used to clean electronic components, volatile organic compounds are typically solvents that are used to remove contaminants from the surface of components, for example, when using a volatile organic compound to clean a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution to avoid damaging the component surface.
Wettability #
A measure of the ability of a surface to be wet by a liquid, wettability is used to determine the compatibility of a cleaning solution with the surface of an electronic component, for example, when measuring the wettability of a surface, it is essential to use a goniometer and to measure the contact angle of a liquid droplet on the surface to determine the wettability of the surface.
X-ray Spectroscopy: A technique used to analyze the composition… #
X-ray Spectroscopy: A technique used to analyze the composition of electronic components, X-ray spectroscopy uses a beam of X-rays to excite the atoms in the component and to create a spectrum of the component's composition, for example, when using X-ray spectroscopy to analyze a printed circuit board, it is essential to use a spectrometer and to analyze the spectrum of the component to determine its composition.