Electronics manufacturing requires the use of numerous chemicals throughout the complex fabrication process. From the raw semiconductor wafers to the finished circuit boards and components, various chemical compounds play critical roles in etching, cleaning, deposition and other operations. While these chemicals enable high-tech advances, there are also environmental and health concerns to consider regarding their production, use and disposal. This article explores some of the main types of chemicals employed within electronics fabrication and examines their potential impacts.
Chemicals for Wafer Processing
One of the earliest and most fundamental steps in Electronic Chemicals manufacturing involves processing silicon wafers to prepare them for circuit design and component creation. During wafer fabrication, different chemicals are utilized for cleaning, etching and deposition tasks. For example, hydrofluoric acid is commonly used for cleaning semiconductor wafers by removing native silicon oxide from the surface. It enables removing unwanted particles and impurities without damaging the wafer. However, hydrofluoric acid is also highly corrosive and toxic, raising occupational safety issues for workers.
Other wafer processing chemicals of note include sulfuric acid mixtures for semiconductor cleaning. These solutions help dissolve organic residues but must be properly handled and disposed of due to sulfuric acid’s strong acidity. Photoresists formed from novolac resins and naphthoquinone diazide compounds play a central role in photolithography as well. Photoresists are applied to wafers and selectively exposed to light through a photomask, enabling the targeted removal of layers. While pivotal for microchip definition, photoresist byproducts can contaminate the environment if not properly treated.
Conductive and Insulating Materials
Beyond wafer preparation, electronic chemicals are vital for depositing conducting and insulating thin films that form the basis of electronic components and circuits. Evaporative or sputtering processes deposit thin metal layers like aluminum or copper used for vertical interconnects or signal routing traces. Chemical vapor deposition techniques help grow insulating oxides like silicon dioxide which electrically isolate conductive lines. Elemental gold, tin and indium are also deposited via evaporation or electroplating and serve critical purposes such as wire bonding or flip-chip manufacturing. The consumption and treatment of these metallic source chemicals impacts the environment and human health.
Emissions from Circuit Board Production
Once individual semiconductor devices and passive components are assembled, they are combined and connected through the formation of printed circuit boards (PCBs). In this realm, electronic-grade epoxy resins reinforced with fiberglass cloth serve as the foundational insulating material. However, production of PCB laminates generates emissions involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the epoxy and hardener constituents. Studies have linked employee exposure to such VOCs to increased cancer risks. Additional chemicals like etchants and peel away resists enable etching conductive pathways and holes for component insertion, further contributing to emissions. Proper ventilation and capture systems are needed to curb related health issues.
Concerns regarding Electronic Chemical Disposal
After devices reach the end of their useful lifetimes, the chemicals they contain may leach into the environment if electronic waste (e-waste) is improperly handled or processed. Circuit boards contain substantial amounts of heavy metals like lead from solder. Batteries incorporate toxic materials like mercury, cadmium and lithium. Displays use compounds such as cadmium selenide and cadmium chloride which are hazardous if released. Developing nations that import e-waste for rudimentary recycling processes lack protections for workers and local residents from such contamination. Even in regulated recycling facilities, complete containment of chemical byproducts has proven difficult without proper safeguards. Greater effort is still needed to advance safer and more sustainable e-waste treatment worldwide.
Addressing Impacts through Alternative Chemical Selection
Given the environmental and occupational hazards tied to many traditional electronic manufacturing chemicals, alternative materials have begun gaining traction. For example, photoresists employing chemically amplified resins and non-metal containing photoacid generators address some worker safety concerns compared to previous generations. Similarly, new plating technologies utilize less toxic alternatives to gold, tin and other heavy metals in compound semiconductor packaging. Water-based soldermasks and environmentally-friendly adhesives have also emerged to curb VOC emissions in PCB production. Nonetheless, further progress is required evaluating and qualifying greener substitutes that can perform as reliably and cost-effectively as conventional chemistries over the long term. Continued innovation will play an important role in driving the electronics industry toward more sustainability.
A diverse array of electronic chemicals compounds are essential for complex semiconductor fabrication processes and electronic product manufacturing. However, the use and disposal of numerous chemicals prevalent in electronics production present environmental, health and safety risks that require ongoing management. While regulations aim to curb dangerous emissions and exposures, safer alternatives still need wider implementation. Moving forward, a combination of substitution, containment strategies and responsible recycling will be integral for addressing chemical impacts throughout the complete life cycle of electronics. Concerted efforts across the supply chain can help balance technical performance needs with protecting workers, communities and the natural environment.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author – Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn