Description

Arkema has been producing methanesulfonic acid (MSA) for over 30 years longer than any other manufacturer. Over time, as the needs of the electronics market have become more stringent, Arkema has made continuous improvements to its technology and hence, its product. These improvements have led to the development of E-PURE MSA® electrolyte, a new grade of MSA specifically engineered for use in the plating of electronic components.

One of the primary markets for MSA is the electroplating of electronic components such as lead frames, connectors, printed circuit boards and wire. These plating baths are complex formulations of MSA, its salts and performance-enhancing additives. Under the environment of an electroplating bath, low-level impurities in the bath can lead to the generation of odorous compounds in the vapor phase. E-PURE MSA® electrolyte was designed to reduce the formation of odor-causing precursors, thus minimizing their odor-causing decomposition products and significantly improving the work environment.

As a world leader in organosulfur chemistry, Arkema has developed expertise in the identification and minimization of odorous compounds. Its state-of-the-art technical facilities in Lacq, France and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA are uniquely equipped for this task. Arkema has conducted extensive experiments at these facilities over the last two years to identify the odor-causing precursors in MSA. The experiments have demonstrated that the perception of odor from electrolyte made with MSA is due to a synergy between two classes of organosulfur compounds present in parts-per-billion concentrations.

E-PURE MSA® electrolyte was developed to eliminate the production of these highly diluted impurities. By reducing the production of the synergetic impurities, the E-PURE MSA® process eliminates the opportunity for odor formation without adversely affecting the purity of the product. It is the only product designed specifically to electronic performance specifications and odor elimination.

E-PURE MSA® is used in electroplating as electrolyte especially in tin lead deposition. It can be used also for copper, nickel, silver, zinc applications.

It can be used for regeneration of exchanging resins of ions saturated with heavy metals.

The key property for all these applications is its high solubility. 

Markets and applications

Production Facilities

E-PURE MSA® is produced in:

Arkema gives extensive technical support through its two R&D centers:

And worldwide logistic support with more than 5 logistic platforms.