Floor coverings in cleanrooms

VBS Soiez, Sikafloor-390

The quantity of products manufactured in cleanrooms has been steadily increasing in recent years. In the electronics sector, the trend towards ever smaller components continues, so that even tiny particles in the air can cause malfunctions. The pharmaceutical industry has been producing under pure conditions for years; related productions such as the packaging of biological products now also adhere to these standards. The aerospace sector and manufacturers of optical devices are also following this trend.
Accordingly, the demand for cleanroom-compatible flooring is increasing. However, there is still some uncertainty about what exactly "cleanroom-compatible" means.

Measurement and Classification

Wherever materials rub against each other, particles are generated. These particles also originate in the contact areas of shoes and carts with flooring. The cleanroom classification according to ISO 14644-1 relates to the number and size of particles in the air. If the generation of particles can be prevented, they will not be present in the air either.

Another relevant point is the outgassing behavior of organic contaminants from the used products. If volatile organic compounds ("total volatile organic compounds", TVOC) escape from the cured materials, this can impair employees or damage processes. The cleanroom classification according to ISO 14644-8 relates to this outgassing of organic compounds.

The standards mentioned are designed for completed cleanrooms. However, building materials for the construction of cleanrooms are not covered by these standards.

To create a solid basis for evaluating building materials for cleanrooms, the industry consortium Cleanroom Suitable Materials (CSM) was founded. It has developed standards that allow the assessment of building materials regarding particle emissions from material pairings (e.g., a plastic wheel on a synthetic resin floor) and to classify the outgassing behavior of individual materials.

A floor covering tested by CSM receives two certificates. One regarding expected particle and TVOC emissions, indicating in which ISO cleanroom classes the coverings can be used. The second certificate classifies the floor covering according to the GMP classes common in the pharmaceutical environment and assesses its biological resistance.

Flooring Solutions

Cleanrooms can generally be divided into three main categories: Electronic areas, Life Science, and Others.
The focus in the "electronic sector" is clearly on low particle and VOC emissions according to ISO 14644. This includes manufacturers of semiconductors, electronic components, solar panels, or flat screens. The selection of flooring here is primarily based on the ISO class and the additional required property of electrostatic behavior.

In the "Life Science" sector, GMP classification and biological resistance are required. Industries here include pharmaceutical and medical technology manufacturers, as well as biotechnology and food producers. When choosing the optimal flooring, additional properties such as resistance to specific cleaners or disinfectants may also be considered.

The "Others" sector is very diverse. It includes manufacturers of optical devices, aerospace technology, vehicle manufacturers, and many more. Similar to the electronic sector, the focus is on ISO classification, but the choice of flooring is often accompanied by a variety of additional requirements.
However, a seamless floor covering with a cove at the walls is preferred across all cleanroom industries. The jointless construction reduces the risk of particles, dirt, and biological contamination, and the cove at the wall facilitates cleaning.

From Foundation to Roof

Sika AG offers tailored Sikafloor flooring solutions for a wide range of cleanrooms. Thanks to a globally operating group with subsidiaries in 76 countries across 5 continents, the same systems are available at virtually every location.

In addition to these specialized solutions, Sika also provides support in all areas of building envelope from foundation to roof. Whether during new construction or renovation, from concrete admixtures to joint sealants to roof waterproofing. The technical advisors of the national subsidiaries assist planners with product selection, tendering, and connecting suitable applicators — ensuring your cleanroom meets all requirements.