Recently, a question was asked by Mike Bailey on the forum, concerning
problems with PCB's in pink anti-static bags.  There were several responses
and all agreed that the use of pink poly bags was not a good idea.  All of
the responses, however, seem to be based on old data or experience.

In the beginning, "amines" were used as the anti-static agent in pink poly
bags.  In order to work, the substance must bleed to the surface of the
film to repel static.  After much use it was discovered that, in addition
to the excessive greasy substance which transferred itself to the contents
of the bag, there were other negative aspects to the amine substance
including:
1. Corrosiveness to metals
2. Skin irritation
3. Film sealability problems

Realizing the problems with amines, some manufacturers are using an "amide"
based medium as the anti-static agent in their poly film.  While it is more
expensive, it is a big improvement over amines.  It is 90% less corrosive,
does not irritate skin, and does not hinder the sealability.  However, like
amines, the substance must come to the film surface to work and exhibits a
slight slick feeling.

I haven't been able to find any information on what effect to solderability
the amide based material has.  And this is my problem.   We use a very
large national PCB manufacturer that vacuum packs the boards using a pink
poly film that has an amide based anti-static agent.  When we asked them
not to pack our boards using this pink poly they resisted strongly and
wanted data in support of our objection since that is their standard
package and haven't had objections or problems from some very large
national customers.

So here are my questions:

1. Does anyone have good scientific data on the effect of amide based
anti-static agents on the solderability of PCB's as a result of packaging.
2. If you object to having your boards packaged in pink poly, how are your
boards packaged.  The other thing I am told is that amides are commonly
used as lubricants and mold release agents in the manufacture of plastics
including clear poly film.

Thanks for any assistance I can get.

Larry Grazian
Process Engineer
Anritsu Co.

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