Understanding Outgassing Requirements: Importance & Key Users

What Is Outgassing and Why Is It Important?

Outgassing refers to the release of gases or volatile substances from a material when exposed to certain conditions, such as vacuum or high temperature. This phenomenon, while seemingly minor, can have critical implications in industries where clean, controlled environments are essential. Outgassing can contaminate sensitive equipment, interfere with processes, and compromise product reliability.

Industries That Require Low-Outgassing Materials

Certain industries have stringent outgassing requirements due to the sensitivity of their operations. These include:

• Aerospace: In vacuum environments like space, outgassed particles can condense on optics, sensors, and other critical components, potentially rendering them unusable.
• Semiconductor Manufacturing: The precision required in semiconductor processing leaves no room for contamination, as even minor outgassing can cause defects in microchips.
• Medical Equipment: Devices like MRI machines and surgical tools require materials that won’t release harmful gases into sterile or controlled environments.
• Optics and Photonics: High-performance lenses, mirrors, and lasers can be degraded by molecular films caused by outgassing.
• Laboratories and Clean Rooms: These spaces rely on ultra-clean environments to ensure accurate testing and manufacturing processes.

Commonly Avoided Materials

Some materials are notorious for high outgassing rates and are often unsuitable for these applications:

• Natural Rubber
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Certain Adhesives and Paints
• Low-Grade Plastics and Composites

These materials tend to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other substances that can compromise sensitive environments.

Preferred Materials for Low-Outgassing Applications

Materials with low volatility and high thermal stability are typically chosen for outgassing-sensitive uses:

• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Known for its chemical resistance and stability.
• FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene): Often used in cleanroom applications.
• Polyimide: Common in aerospace and electronics due to its high performance in extreme environments.
• Polyurethane: Combines flexibility and durability with low outgassing properties.

What Happens When the Right Materials Aren’t Used?

Using materials with high outgassing rates can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• Contamination: Thin films of volatile substances can settle on equipment, reducing functionality and precision.
• Degradation: High outgassing materials can break down faster, leading to a shorter product lifespan.
• Operational Failures: In extreme cases, outgassing can cause catastrophic failures, particularly in space or vacuum environments.

How Zippertubing Meets Outgassing Requirements

Zippertubing engineers solutions for a broad range of industries, from general-purpose cable management to highly specialized applications requiring stringent performance standards. We understand the critical importance of low-outgassing materials in environments such as clean rooms, vacuum chambers, and aerospace systems. Our product line includes custom solutions designed to meet these exacting requirements, utilizing materials that comply with established low-outgassing specifications like those outlined by NASA or ESA. Whether you need cleanroom-compatible jacketing or products for less sensitive environments, Zippertubing provides innovative and tailored solutions for any application.
Contact us today.