Request
Particle
cleanliness, extractable matter and ESD testing of cleanroom gloves
Sample Description
1)
9" nitrile gloves - blue
2) 9" latex gloves - yellow
3) 9" vinyl gloves - white translucent
Test Method
Particle
cleanliness testing was performed in accordance with IEST-RP-CC005.2.
Three gloves from each product were rinsed (inside and outside)
with 700 ml of ultrapure DI water. A HIAC Model 8103 Liquid Particle
Counter was used for the analysis of the rinse water. Results are
reported as particles >0.5um/sq.cm and are corrected for the
method blank.
Extractable
matter (NVR and ion) testing was performed in accordance with IEST-RP-CC005.2
(short term extraction method). Three gloves of each product were
extracted together in 1000 ml of ultrapure DI water.Non-volatile
residues were determined gravimetrically. Ion concentrations were
determined by Ion Chromatography. Results are reported in ppm (ug/g)
and are corrected for the method blank.
ESD
testing was performed on one glove of each product following preconditioning
for 24 hours at 72 degrees F and 50% RH. Surface resistivity testing
was performed in accordance with ASTM D257. Results are reported
as the average of four test areas. Static decay time was determined
in accordance with FTM 101c, Method 4046.1. Results are reported
as the average of three decay runs from 5000v to 50v (technical
zero).
Results
Test
results are reported in the attached table.
Discussion
Nitrile
Gloves
The
nitrile gloves exhibited particle counts and NVR levels typical
of gloves used in Class 100 cleanrooms. Extractable ion testing
revealed slightly elevated levels of sodium, chloride and phosphate.
Surface resistivity and static decay time place the glove in the
static dissipative range.
Latex
Gloves
Particle
counts on the latex gloves are typical of gloves used in Class 1000
cleanrooms. The NVR level (>500 ppm) is of concern in the disc
drive and microelectronics industries. Extractable ion testing indicates
that much of the non-volatile residue is due to chloride. Other
extractable ions are at normal levels. The surface resistivity and
static decay times places this glove in the anti-static range.
Vinyl
Gloves
Particle
counts on the vinyl gloves are slightly higher than those found
on other vinyl gloves commonly used in cleanrooms. The particle
and NVR levels indicate that the gloves are Class 100 compatible.
Extractable sodium and chloride levels are elevated, indicating
possible salt contamination. The surface resistivity and static
decay time place the glove in the static dissipative range.
Recommendations
While
the nitrile and vinyl gloves are Class 100 compatible, their quality
could be improved through reduction in particles and/or ions. The
nitrile gloves could have the levels of sodium, chloride and phosphate
reduced through examination of the manufacturing process and elimination
or reduction of the chemicals containing these components. Higher
than normal particle counts on the vinyl gloves may be due to vinyl
dust, generated during packout.
The high particle, NVR and chloride level
on the latex gloves could be indicative of overchlorination.