Different Types of Chemicals Used in Electronic Industry

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When we consider the raw materials utilized in the production of electronic devices, we often think of components like transistors, resistors, diodes, and capacitors. However, it may surprise you to learn that the electronic industry also relies heavily on various chemicals during the manufacturing and packaging processes. These substances, known as electronic chemicals, can be found in solid, liquid, or gas forms. In this article, we will explore the different types of electronic chemicals that manufacturers incorporate into their production.

Chemicals in Silicon Wafer Manufacturing

Silicon wafers, which serve as the foundation for integrated circuits (ICs) and other semiconductor-based devices, are thin slices of silicon crystals. Unlike natural materials, silicon wafers are produced from silica (sand) and undergo intensive processing to achieve their final form. The manufacturing of silicon wafers involves several key chemicals, including:

• Hydrogen chloride – primarily for impurity removal.
• Ammonium chloride – used in the creation of polysilicon crystals.
• Ammonia – integral in producing monoslane, a crucial byproduct of silicon wafer manufacturing.

Notably, chemicals used in silicon wafer production represent the largest share of overall chemical consumption in the electronic sector.

Chemicals in Photoresist Production

Photoresists are light-sensitive materials coated on silicon wafers, playing a vital role in the photolithography process used for fabricating electronic devices. This coating consists of film-forming agents and light-sensitive chemicals. The commonly employed film-forming agents fall under the category of cresol novolac resins, while many manufacturers prefer naphthoquinone diazides for the light-sensitive component.

Wet Processing Chemicals

Wet processing chemicals are essential at various stages of semiconductor processing, including solvents, etchants, acids, and bases. Some widely used wet processing chemicals include:

• Sulfuric acid
• Iso-propyl alcohol
• Ammonium-hydroxide
• Nitric acid
• Phosphoric acid

The consumption of wet processing chemicals in the electronic industry is estimated to constitute around 6% of total chemical usage.

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Hazardous Chemicals in Electronics

Electronic products often contain hazardous chemicals like lead, mercury, and other metals, flame retardants, and specific phthalates. These substances can impact both human health and the environment throughout their life cycle. During manufacturing and material extraction, workers and their communities may directly encounter hazardous chemicals, often leading to severe health risks, including elevated cancer rates.

During the product's usage, hazardous chemicals might be released, exposing consumers and the environment. Further, improper disposal and recycling of e-waste can lead to exposure for workers and can contaminate ecosystems, affecting air, water, and soil quality and entering food chains (Global Chemicals Outlook II).

With the ongoing growth of the consumer electronics market, the global electronic chemicals and materials market is projected to expand from 22 billion USD to 30.5 billion USD (Global Chemicals Outlook II).

Considering these risks, hazardous chemicals in electronics have become a priority within global chemical management strategies. Current initiatives aim to encourage stakeholders, including governments and manufacturers, to minimize the usage of harmful chemicals in electronic products.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions alongside UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre, has been spearheading efforts to address this issue. Recent developments emphasize sustainable design practices and environmentally sound production processes for electronic products, alongside increasing awareness of e-product hazards.

For more information, please Chemicals In Electronics.