Tools chemicals and cleaners refer to specialized chemical formulations designed for surface preparation, maintenance, and precision cleaning in industrial, commercial, and scientific applications. These products enable contaminant removal (e.g., oils, particulates, oxides), surface activation, and material preservation. Their importance spans critical processes in electronics manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries where precision and reliability are paramount.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent-based Cleaners | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for rapid oil/grease dissolution | Metalworking fluid removal in automotive assembly |
| Aqueous Cleaners | pH-adjusted water-based solutions with surfactants/chelating agents | Flux residue removal in PCB manufacturing |
| Semi-aqueous Cleaners | Blends of water-miscible solvents (e.g., glycol ethers) | Cleaning of sensitive optical components |
| Acid/Alkali Etchants | Controlled material removal through chemical reaction | Surface texturing in semiconductor packaging |
| Biodegradable Cleaners | Enzyme/formulated biodegradation of organic contaminants | Food processing equipment sanitation |
Typical formulations contain 3-5 functional components:
Advanced products incorporate nanoscale abrasives for precision polishing or smart release encapsulation systems.
| Parameter | Significance | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| pH Value | Determines material compatibility | 1.5-13.0 |
| Flash Point | Safety handling classification | 15-110 C |
| Surface Tension | Cleaning efficacy indicator | 20-72 mN/m |
| Evaporation Rate | Process time optimization | 0.01-5.0 g/m /min |
| Residue Content | Critical for electronics applications | <1.0 mg/m |
| Material Compatibility | Prevents substrate degradation | Passivation tested |
Typical equipment integration: Ultrasonic cleaners (Branson 3800), vapor degreasers (MicroCare VDX), and robotic spray systems.
| Manufacturer | Key Product | Application Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Chemours | Suva EC Solvent | Low-GWP precision cleaning |
| Honeywell | Vertrel XM | Aerospace component degreasing |
| KYZEN | KYZEN NVT -115 | No-clean flux removal |
| ITW Chemtronics | CRC 05100 | Electronics contact cleaning |
| BASF | Baxxodour EC | Biodegradable odor control |
Key consideration matrix:
Example: For copper etching in flex PCB production, select a pH 8.5 aqueous cleaner with 35 mN/m surface tension to prevent over-etching.
Key development directions: