Field Performance of pH Neutral Cleaning Agents - Case Study

At SMTA International 2010, a study titled “Benchmark Study: pH neutral vs. Alkaline Cleaning Agents” was presented. That study detailed a comparative analysis of the results of short- and long-term effects of pH-neutral and alkaline cleaning agents on sensitive materials such as anodized, alodine and iridite coatings, electroless nickel plating, as well as aluminum and copper.

It also compared the cleaning effectiveness of each on the substrate surface and under component utilizing spray-in-air inline cleaning equipment. Based on the results of the 2010 study, pH neutral cleaning agents held the promise of offering superior material compatibility, comparable if not improved cleaning performance and lower concentrations compared to alkaline alternatives for cleaning no-clean, RMA and OA flux residues. This article presents three customer case studies whereby the specific customer explored the option of employing a pH neutral cleaning agent due to issues with alkaline cleaning agents and/or DI water with their cleaning processes.