The electronics industry, including the critical semiconductor manufacturing sector, uses Everflon™ fluoropolymers to improve their products’ durability, service life and overall performance. Everflon™ Fluoropolymers are used in these applications in the following forms:
◼ As formative / protective coating on electronic parts and semiconductors to protect from harsh conditions. Printed circuit boards is an example, with numerous extensions, of where such a coating can be applied.
◼ Everflon™ Fluoropolymer components in hard disk drives can also extend the life of those parts that need a high dielectric strength.
◼ In sealing that can protect sensitive electronic components from external agents, such as moisture, acids or alkalis. This use also includes gaskets, O-rings and other sealing equipment or lining of tubing / pipes and other fluid-handling equipment, e.g., in in vitro diagnostic devices or cooled / refrigerated devices, to prevent leakage that could impair the function of the electronic component.
◼ As insulation and jacketing of cables used in devices, allowing these to operate at higher temperatures and harsher conditions for longer.
◼ In manufacturing processes where a high degree of cleanliness and precision is required. This is particularly important for semiconductors, as they are particularly sensitive to contamination by particles and chemical agents, which could adversely affect the product’s performance.
Electronic Equipment
◼ Voltage testers, radars, wiring systems, gateways and connectors.
◼ Current transmission, signal transfer, sensors and safety systems in automotives and industrial applications (robotics). Fluoropolymers also provide very low dielectric constant that minimises signal losses at high frequencies.
◼ Other sensor applications, such as measuring devices using microwaves, process and hydrostatic pressure measuring devices and various probes for liquid level measurement.
◼ Level-controlled condensate drains (typically electronically controlled) in several industrial and professional applications also use fluoropolymer components. Other components and devices of such systems designed for drying of compressed air, such as measuring devices, also use fluoropolymer components, such as membranes.
◼ PTFE in plastics used in smoke detectors.
◼ Wires, cables and connectors for semiconductor manufacturing for the defence market.
◼ Cables in automotive applications, e.g., in emission and other sensors, safety systems to warn a user that the brake pad needs replacement, in gearboxes, in the fuel pump, and in heating cables.
◼ In servomotors for medical devices and industrial applications
◼ Tools. A lot of jigs and tools in the production of sensors are based on PTFE: wafer carrier, sealing rings, handling tools in MEMS (micro electrical mechanical systems) processes in the production of pressure sensors or inertial sensors. Other components using fluoropolymers include inductors, laminated chokes, transformers, TVS diodes and membranes and sealings for thermomanagement modules.
◼ Testing of the semiconductor chips and sensors. Thermal shock testing of chips requires the chips or sensors to be immersed in a fluid in order to test their reliability (especially critical for automotive and aerospace). PFPE fluids are used because of dielectric properties, inertness and ability to stay pumpable at extreme temperatures.
◼ Amorphous fluoropolymers are used as 3D printer vat windows on account of high oxygen permittivity which facilitates a dead layer and thus easier printing.
