Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), known by various names including isopropanol, 2-propanol, and rubbing alcohol , is a ubiquitous solvent in electronic assembly and repair due to its effective cleaning properties.
Here’s a detailed overview of IPA, its uses, compatibility with materials, grades, and safe handling practices:
Uses of Isopropyl Alcohol in Electronics
- Cleaning Agent: IPA is excellent for dissolving a wide range of contaminants including oils, fingerprints, flux residues, carbon deposits, and mold release.
- PCB Assembly: Used to clean flux residues from soldered circuit boards and to remove solder paste or adhesive from SMT stencils.
- Maintenance Cleaning: Removes caked-on and burnt-on flux from SMT reflow ovens, wave soldering fingers, selective soldering nozzles, and pallets.
Material Compatibility of Isopropyl Alcohol
Cleaning Swabs for Electronics: 99.7% IPA: 4″ or 6″ Handle
Compatibility varies across materials, and it’s essential to test on a non-critical area before extensive use. Here’s a summary of IPA’s compatibility with common materials used in PCB assembly:
| Material | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Excellent |
| Buna-N | Good |
| CPVC | Excellent |
| Epoxy | Excellent |
| Neoprene | Good |
| Noryl | Excellent |
| Phenolic | Excellent |
| Cross-Linked PE | Good |
| Polycarbonate | Poor |
| Polypropylene | Good |
| Polystyrene | Poor |
| PVC | Fair |
| Teflon | Excellent |
| Tygon | Good |
| Viton | Excellent |
Note: Incompatibility can lead to crazing, softening, swelling, shrinking, or brittleness.
Grades or Types of Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), also known as isopropanol or 2-propanol, is a widely used chemical with significant antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is a common ingredient in cleaning and disinfecting products, particularly valued for its ability to evaporate quickly without leaving a residue, and its relative non-toxicity.
IPA is available in various grades differentiated by water content and purity:
- ACS/Reagent Grade: Purity over 95%, meets ACS standards.
- USP Grade: Meets United States Pharmacopeia standards, suitable for food, drug, and medicinal use.
- NF Grade: Meets National Formulary standards.
- Laboratory Grade: Used in educational applications, impurity levels unknown.
- Purified Grade: Meets no official standard, not suitable for food, drug, or medicinal use.
- Technical Grade: Used for commercial and industrial purposes, not for food, drug, or medicinal use.
Rubbing Alcohol: Generally refers to consumer-grade IPA, which may contain additional ingredients and is not a specific grade of IPA.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Wipes
Application Methods of Cleaning with Isopropyl Alcohol
IPA is available in various packaging types to suit different applications:
- Bulk Containers: 1-gallon bottles, 5-gallon containers, 54-gallon drums for automated dispensing.
- Small Bottles/Spray Bottles: Convenient for bench-top use and avoid the risk of contamination.
- Pump Dispensers/Dauber Bottles: Prevent contamination and draw in moisture.
- Aerosol Cans: Sealed containers that offer agitation.
- Presaturated Wipes: Available in various forms for convenience and specific use cases.
Safely Handling Isopropyl Alcohol
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation.
- Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources. Use appropriate containers and marking.
- Personal Protection Equipment: Use nitrile gloves, protective glasses, or face shields, and respirators if needed.
- Disposal: Dispose of as hazardous waste according to local regulations. Do not flush down the drain.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Keep SDS readily available for all safety requirements.
By understanding the properties, compatibility, and safe handling of isopropyl alcohol, you can effectively use this versatile solvent in electronic assembly and repair while minimizing risks.