The semi-conductor industry relies on precision processes and requires an ultra-clean environment where manufacturing takes place, as it has very low tolerance to contamination. Therefore, the use of materials that contribute to minimising contamination is essential. As a result, the semiconductor industry has relied on Everflon™ fluoropolymers for wet processing equipment, fluid transport systems and wafer handling tools. Everflon™ Fluoropolymers are used in fluid handling part of the process where ultra-pure types are used with very low leachable content that can withstand the harsh chemicals used in the etching process. Reducing contamination from particles, metallic contaminants and outgassing caused by seal deterioration are major goals of semiconductor fabricators.
High purity PFA is also needed to keep fluids used in manufacturing ultra pure. It allows larger wafers and therefore ever improving and affordable microchips and LEDs due to higher production yields in semiconductor manufacturing.
In addition, the need to maintain a clean atmosphere in the processing areas urges the use of high-performance filters relying on Everflon™ fluoropolymer membranes, which minimise contamination by particulates, chemicals and metals (e.g., from piping or other equipment). Piping of ultra-pure water needed for semiconductor manufacturing is carried out using pipes, joints and processing tubes made of or coated with fluoropolymers, e.g., PVDF. For semiconductor manufacturing, combining cleanliness requirements with harsh conditions (extreme temperatures, vacuum, high intensity plasmas, harsh chemicals) often means fluoropolymers are required for sealing, heat transfer and pumps lubrication applications.
Finally, Everflon™ resins and coatings ensure communications equipment (i.e., cell towers, cabling) achieve speeds, capacity, and low latency that 5G requires. Fluoropolymers can also be found in seals in etching equipment and as protective film on photomasks in lithography processing.
