A Comprehensive Guide to Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Wipes

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes are versatile cleaning tools widely used in various industries and applications. They offer an ideal combination of form and function for many organizations, particularly in electronics, optics, and general maintenance.

Uses and Applications

IPA wipes are commonly employed for:

    ● Degreasing

    ● Removing fingerprints

    ● Cleaning flux residues

    ● Disinfecting hard surfaces

    ● Cleaning optical surfaces and fiber optic connectors

    ● Maintaining computer keyboards and display screens

    ● Removing oil, dust, and other contaminants

    ● Cleaning and protecting sensitive contact surfaces

In electronic printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, IPA is used to clean flux residues from recently soldered circuit boards and in PCB repair and rework. It's also used to remove solder paste and adhesive from SMT stencils, and for maintenance cleaning of automated soldering equipment.

What is Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)?

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as IPA, isopropanol, or 2-propanol (CAS #67-63-0), is a versatile solvent that can dissolve a wide range of polar and non-polar soils. It's effective against light oils, fingerprints, cutting fluids, flux residues, carbon deposits, and mold release.

Concentrations and Properties

IPA is available in various dilutions, characterized by the amount of water in each solution. Common concentrations include:

    ● 70% IPA (30% water)

    ● 91% IPA (9% water)

    ● Anhydrous IPA (nearly 100% pure)

The concentration affects properties such as:

Surface tension: Higher water content increases surface tension, which can lead to beading and spotting.

Dry time: More water increases dry time, which can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the application.

For example, 70% IPA is often used for degreasing and SMT stencil cleaning due to its slower evaporation rate, while higher concentrations are preferred for electrical contact cleaning.

Compatibility and Safety

IPA is compatible with a wide range of materials commonly used in electronics. However, it's essential to test compatibility on a non-critical area before use, as it may cause crazing or softening of some materials.

Safety considerations include:

    ● Flammability: IPA is highly flammable and requires proper storage and handling.

    ● Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent vapor accumulation.

    ● Skin contact: IPA can defatten the skin, potentially leading to dermatitis. Gloves are recommended.

    ● Inhalation: Respirators may be necessary if ventilation is inadequate.

Always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive safety information.

Effectiveness Against Microorganisms

IPA has been shown to be effective against:

    ● Bacteria

    ● Fungi

    ● Lipid viruses

However, it's important to note: IPA is not effective against bacterial spores, so it cannot be used for sterilization. The CDC no longer specifically recommends alcohol-based products for disinfecting against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) on hard surfaces. Optimal antimicrobial effectiveness is achieved with 60-90% IPA solutions in water.

Packaging Options

1. Pop-up Dispensing Tubs

    ● Most common packaging option

    ● Wipes dispense from the lid

    ● Stored in a perforated roll

    ● Refill rolls available for cost savings and plastic waste reduction

    ● Suitable for touch-up cleaning of automatic printer stencils and semi-automatic printer stencils

2. Dispensing Box with Spring-Loaded Top

    ● Precut wipes in a plastic dispensing box

    ● C-folded wipes for easy access without cross-contamination

    ● Spring-loaded lid for one-handed operation

    ● Minimizes contamination and linting

3. Individually Wrapped Wipe Packets

    ● Lint-free cleaning felt wipes super saturated with 91% IPA

    ● Foil-wrapped and packaged fifty to a box

    ● Ideal for field service and eliminating cross-contamination

    ● Guarantees full saturation for each wipe

4. Critical Cleaning Alcohol Wipes

Specialized wipes for critical applications like aerospace production and medical device assembly

a) WIPESTAR G2201 Polyester Alcohol Wipes

    ● Saturated with semiconductor grade IPA

    ● Filtered through 0.02 µm media

    ● Available in 100% IPA or 70% IPA / 30% deionized water

    ● Laser-sealed, monofilament "no-run" polyester wipes

    ● Class 10 (M3, ISO 4) cleanroom processed and packaged

    ● Cleanroom double-bagged with resealable inner-bags

b) WIPESTAR G2301 Alcohol Cellulose/Polyester Wipes

    ● Poly-cellulose wipes (55% cellulose, 45% polyester)

    ● Saturated with 70% semiconductor grade IPA

    ● More economical with greater saturation

c) WIPESTAR G2101 Alcohol Polypropylene Wipes

    ● Low linting, melt-blown polypropylene material

    ● Saturated with 70% semiconductor grade IPA

    ● Ultra-low abrasiveness for delicate surfaces

Isopropyl alcohol wipes are versatile cleaning tools with a wide range of applications across various industries. Their effectiveness in removing contaminants, compatibility with many materials, and availability in different packaging options make them a popular choice for cleaning and maintenance tasks.

Tags：IPA   Isopropyl Alcohol   Pre-wetted Wipes