Abstract: A device for treating surfaces of substrates utilized in electronics manufacturing includes a resilient skin encasing a porous polymeric interior. The resilient skin overlies the exterior surface of the brush, and is typically characterized by a higher density, a smaller pore size, and a lower porosity than the interior material of the brush. The skin may serve to distribute physical stress over a larger area, protecting raised or recessed brush features from abrasion and wear. The porosity of the skin may also influence the movement of liquids through the brush, ensuring the homogenous dispensing of cleaning fluids. The resilient skin may be formed during or subsequent to a brush fabrication process such as molding, extrusion, or milling, and can be accomplished through the application of heat, chemicals, or radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel porous polymeric device (101) (103) (105) (107) (109) (111) (113), e.g., an ultraclean brush. The device includes an elongated foam member (101, 103), which has an outer surface for removing residual particles from a surface of a substrate. Among other features, the elongated foam member includes a polyvinyl alcohol bearing compound, where the elongated foam member has a calcium ion impurity concentration of less than about 1 part per million. Accordingly, the present device is much cleaner than conventional devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method (400) for packaging sponge or porous polymeric devices, e.g., scrubbing brush. The method includes a step of providing a porous polymeric member (401), which has an outer surface and may also include inner surfaces. The member is substantially free from impurities (e.g., ions, particles) that may be distributed on the surface and through the member. Preferably, the method treats the devices using a preservative to prevent bacteria growth during storage or shipping of the devices. The brushes are removed from the wash treatment and placed within containment packages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system (200) for cleaning sponge or porous polymeric products (FIG. 1), e.g., scrubbing brush. The system includes, among other elements, a chemical source region (201) that has at least one cleaning chemical such as an acid, a base, a solvent, and other cleaning materials. A washer unit (209) (e.g., rotatable basket-type) is coupled to the chemical source region (201). In most embodiments, the washer unit (209) is coupled to the source region by lines or pipes that introduce chemicals into the washer unit (209) in a selected manner. To oversee operations of the system, a controller (207) is coupled to the washer unit. The controller is operative to provide at least one process recipe for cleaning a porous polymeric product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method (300) for cleaning sponge or porous polymeric devices, e.g., scrubbing brush. The method includes a step of providing (302) (332) a porous polymeric member, which has an outer surface and may also include inner surfaces. The member also has a plurality of impurities (e.g., ions, particles) distributed on the surface and through the member. These impurities can be introduced into the member through the manufacturing process, which is commonly "dirty" and does not provide substantially clean polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the impurities are a by-product of the manufacturing process. To clean the member, it is subjected to a wash cycle (330). The wash cycle can be performed by a washing-type machine, as well as other types of apparatus. The wash cycle can include at least one or more treatments to remove selected impurities from the member. The treatments include washes using an acid (339), a base (341), a solvent (337), and other chemicals.

Abstract: The packaging (420) for sponge or porous polymeric devices, e.g., scrubbing brush. The packaging includes a sponge or porous polymeric device (425) therein. A preservative is included in the packaging to prevent bacterial growth on the sponge device.