The revision expands the list of materials of concern and provides more examples of sample preparation to help eliminate industry confusion
By Jim Ohlsen, Chair of IEST Working Group CC031
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In February 2008, IEST published the latest revision of IEST-RP-CC031.2: Method for Characterizing Outgassed Organic Compounds from Cleanroom Materials and Components. Five years after the original IEST-RP-CC031.1 version was published, this revision enables the user to scrutinize a greater number of cleanroom materials, components of construction, and polymers that can outgas organic compounds of concern. Experts in contamination control for aerospace, data storage, and microelectronics used their training as engineers, scientists, and educators to help contribute to the revision process. A seminar will be offered at ESTECH 2008 and should be of interest for industry representatives from numerous related fields.
What are the most significant changes from the previous edition?
Sub-section 4.1, “Materials of Interest,” has been expanded to include more than fifty materials, components of construction, and polymers that may outgas organic compounds of concern in cleanrooms or other controlled environments.
Sub-section 4.2, “Organic Compounds of Concern,” now references ISO 14644-8:2006(E), Annex B, thus greatly expanding the list of contaminating chemicals that can be of concern to a microelectronics product or process.
Sub-section 5.1, “Test Material and Sample Preparation,” has been expanded to include more examples of sample preparation such as a solid to solid transfer method; cure times for two-part mixtures, coatings, paints, sealants, and caulks; and sample preparations for homogeneous and non-homogeneous materials.
Finally, sub-section 5.6, “Extensions of Outgas Testing Beyond this RP,” has been added to briefly address testing of the outgassing of a large part, assembly, or complete system that may be in operation.
How do these changes improve the RP and/or make it easier for the user to apply?
These changes improve the RP by enabling the user to scrutinize a greater number of materials, components of construction, and polymers that can outgas organic compounds of concern. Similarly, a list of the number of organic compounds of concern has increased. In addition, more examples of sample preparation are described. Finally, a brief explanation is given of how the test method of this RP can be extended to test the outgassing of a large part, assembly, or complete system that may be in operation.
What leading-edge or innovative technology does the RP incorporate?
The RP incorporates thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Having access to this technology is essential to carrying out the test method described in this RP. Companies that do not have this capability in-house can utilize contract laboratories; thus the test method of this RP is accessible to anyone.
Does the RP help clarify methods or practices that are a source of industry controversy or confusion?
The RP describes a test method appropriate for semiquantitative determination and qualitative characterization of organic compounds outgassed from materials or components exposed to air in cleanrooms or other controlled environments. This RP specifies four outgassing temperatures–50