A Guide to Cleanroom Essential Sticky Mats: How to Efficiently Remove Dust

1. Introduction

In modern industrial and research fields, maintaining a cleanroom environment is crucial. Dust, particles, and contaminants not only affect product quality but can also cause equipment failures or experimental errors. Controlling dust sources is a key step in preserving cleanroom standards. Among the most direct and effective tools for this purpose is the Sticky Mat. Widely used at cleanroom entrances, exits, and buffer zones, it helps efficiently remove dust from shoes and wheels, ensuring the quality of the controlled environment.

2. Basic Knowledge of Sticky Mats

What is a Sticky Mat

A Sticky Mat, also known as a tacky mat or clean room mat, is a mat with a high-adhesive surface designed to capture dust, particles, and contaminants from shoes and wheels. Its main purpose is to prevent dust from entering the cleanroom or controlled environment.

Main Functions

The primary functions of a Sticky Mat include:

• Removing dust from shoes: Reduces particle contamination brought in by personnel.
• Removing dust from wheels: Effectively captures dust from carts or mobile equipment.
• Maintaining a clean environment: Lowers airborne particle counts and protects product quality.

Applicable Scenarios

Sticky Mats are commonly used in:

• Cleanroom entrances: As the first line of defense against dust.
• Buffer zones: Prevents dust from spreading to critical production areas.
• High-standard purification spaces: Such as semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or electronics manufacturing areas.

3. How to Choose the Right Sticky Mat

Adhesive Level and Material Selection

The adhesive level and material of a Sticky Mat directly affect its dust removal efficiency. Generally, adhesive levels are categorized as light, medium, and heavy:

• Light adhesive: Suitable for low-dust areas and easy to replace.
• Medium adhesive: Suitable for standard cleanroom environments, balancing durability and cleaning effectiveness.
• Heavy adhesive: Suitable for high-standard cleanrooms, capturing more dust and particles.

Size, Thickness, and Layer Count

When choosing a Sticky Mat, consider the following:

• Select a size that fully covers the passageway.
• Choose an appropriate thickness to prevent deformation under wheels.
• Multi-layer mats allow for quick replacement, maintaining continuous dust removal.

Matching to Usage Scenarios

The specifications of Sticky Mats should vary depending on the area. Entrance areas require full coverage, while buffer zones can use smaller or segmented mats. This ensures maximum dust removal efficiency.

4. Proper Usage of Sticky Mats

Placement at Entrances and Exits

Sticky Mats should be placed at all key entry and exit points where personnel or equipment pass through. The optimal setup is one mat inside and one outside the door, forming a double barrier against dust.

Correct Walking and Cart Handling

When using a Sticky Mat, walk or push equipment steadily to avoid scattering dust. Personnel should pause briefly on the mat to allow shoes and wheels to release dust fully.

Layer Replacement Timing

Sticky mats should be replaced when the surface becomes covered with dust or the adhesive diminishes. Overusing a mat can result in dust re-entering the clean area and reduce effectiveness.

Precautions

• Avoid using chemical solvents on the mat to prevent adhesive damage.
• Regularly inspect surrounding floor areas to ensure dust does not bypass the mat.

5. Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Sticky Mats

Regular Replacement and Layering Strategy

Multi-layer Sticky Mats allow the top layer to be peeled off when soiled, instantly restoring dust removal effectiveness. It is recommended to replace the top layer weekly or based on dust levels in the workspace.

Cleaning Surrounding Floor Areas

Use a dust-free mop or vacuum cleaner regularly around the Sticky Mat to prevent dust buildup from affecting the cleanroom.

Tips to Extend Mat Lifespan

• Avoid storing mats in high temperature or humid environments.
• Keep the mat flat and avoid folding or compressing it.
• For high-traffic areas, use multiple mats in rotation.

6. Practical Cases of Efficient Dust Removal

In actual cleanroom operations, the placement and use of Sticky Mats directly affect dust control effectiveness. The table below shows the practical performance of different mats in various areas: