The Meaning of Kb Value in PCB Cleaning - Technical Article

This MicroCare technical article, The Meaning of Kb Value in PCB Cleaning, explains how the Kauri Butanol (Kb) value serves as a key industry benchmark for evaluating the cleaning strength of solvents used in PCB maintenance. A higher Kb value generally indicates stronger cleaning power, but it may compromise material compatibility with plastics, coatings, or inks. The article describes how the standardized Kb test is performed, outlines real-world considerations beyond the test—including surface tension, toxicity, and environmental safety—and offers a practical guide to balancing cleaning strength and substrate safety. Engineers are encouraged to conduct cleaning trials to determine the optimal Kb value for their application.