CircuitPrep RD-81
January 11, 2010
RD Chemical Company in Printed Circuit Board Fabrication, products
RD Chemical Logo

A Preplating Cleaner for use with Dry Film Photoresist

CircuitPrep (RD-81) is an acid cleaner designed to thoroughly clean copper before plating. CircuitPrep (RD-81) will not lift or soften dry film or screen resists. CircuitPrep (RD-81) may be used as a precleaner before microetch or reverse current electrocleaning. CircuitPrep (RD-81) may also be used to remove oxides from copper before solder plating, as it contains nothing that will interfere with the solder plating solution.

MAKE-UP:
CircuitPrep (RD-81) is used at 15% to 30% by volume. Higher concentrations are required for faster cleaning.

OPERATION:
Use CircuitPrep (RD-81) immediately prior to pattern plating, microetch, or electro-cleaning. Use at a temperature range of 110º - 140º F for 3 to 5 minutes.

After use, rinse boards thoroughly, preferably in an opposed-offset spray rinse, and plate immediately.

CircuitPrep (RD-81) may be controlled by titration (see below). When the amount of CircuitPrep (RD-81) added to maintain the proper concentration equals 50% of the original make-up, the bath should be dumped and made up fresh.

EQUIPMENT:
Use a plastic tank that can withstand application temperature: polypropylene, PVC, fiberglass or reinforced polyethylene.

SAFETY:

CircuitPrep (RD-81) is a mildly hazardous, acidic product, however, care should be taken when handling. Eye protection is required: goggles, a full-face shield, or other protection that will completely prevent contact with eyes is recommended. Plastic or rubber safety gloves should be worn. Avoid contact with skin. Consult Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.

DISPOSAL:
Spent cleaning solution may contain large amounts of dissolved copper. Prior to disposal, the solution may require neutralization and precipitation of the copper, or the solution may need to be disposed of at an approved hazardous waste disposal site. Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations. Contact your RD Chemical representative for further information.

PACKAGING:

CircuitPrep (RD-81) is supplied in 15 and 55 gallon drums.

Determination of Concentration of CircuitPrep (RD-81)

Equipment Required: Reagents required: Procedure:
Pipet 10 ml sample of bath into flask. Dilute with water (deionized preferred) to convenient volume. Add a few drops of Phenolphthalein indicator. Titrate with 1.00 N NaOH to first permanent pink color. Note mls 1.00 N NaOH used.

% CircuitPrep (RD-81) by volume = mls 1.00N NaOH X 2.7
Article originally appeared on RD Chemical Company - Manufacturing Chemists (http://rdchem.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.