Sustainable Semiconductor Cleaning Solutions
Revolutionizing Semiconductor Cleaning: sustainable, efficient, and safe
How can the microelectronics industry reduce its environmental footprint without compromising precision and efficiency?
What sustainable alternatives exist to replace toxic cleaning solvents?
Effective cleaning in the microelectronics industry doesn’t have to come at the cost of health, safety, or the environment.
The Challenge: Cleaning Processes in Microelectronics
The microelectronics industry plays a critical role in today’s world, generating a global revenue of approximately €500 billion in 2023. However, this success comes at a cost: significant environmental and health impacts.
Semiconductor Cleaning processes are essential in microchip production, which involves up to 500 intricate manufacturing steps—many on a nanometer scale. Traditionally, chemical solvents like Acetone, N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) are used for cleaning tasks such as photoresist removal. While these chemicals yield satisfactory cleaning results, their harmful impact on workers’ health and the environment cannot be ignored.
Do Sustainable Alternatives Meet Industry Standards?
The assumption that aggressive, solvent-based cleaning solutions are indispensable for achieving the necessary cleaning precision is now outdated. The emergence of intelligent fluids , a cutting-edge cleaning technology, challenges this norm by offering a green, solvent-free alternative that matches and often surpasses traditional solvents in performance.
The Solution: cleaning with intelligent fluids®
What makes intelligent fluids® different?
The innovative power of intelligent fluids lies in their physical cleaning mechanism. Unlike conventional solvents that chemically dissolve contaminants, these next-generation fluids utilize micellar structures within microemulsions to gently lift and remove organic impurities.
Key benefits include:
- Water-Based Formulation: Unlike solvent-based solutions, intelligent fluids are environmentally friendly and more sustainable.
- Reduction in Energy Consumption: They function effectively at significantly lower temperatures, further reducing carbon emissions.
- Material-Safe Cleaning: Physically lift impurities without damaging sensitive surfaces.
- Extended Usage: The fluids retain their cleaning capacity for longer durations, reducing waste.
The fluids are fully compatible with existing cleaning systems and can be seamlessly integrated into current production processes.
Award-Winning Technology
For the innovative approach, intelligent fluids GmbH received the highly acclaimed FiT2clean Award in 2023 at the parts2clean trade fair in Stuttgart. The award recognized their product’s outstanding ability to remove flux residues from high-performance electronics efficiently and sustainably. This groundbreaking technology has gained traction in various industries, from semiconductors to heavy machinery maintenance.
With its environmentally friendly and scalable applications, intelligent fluids exemplifies how small innovations can spark large-scale industry transformations.
FAQs About Sustainable Semiconductor Cleaning
1. What industries can benefit from intelligent fluids?
While developed with semiconductor cleaning in mind, this versatile technology is also highly effective in industries such as heavy machinery, oil and gas, and electronics manufacturing.
2. Are intelligent fluids safe for humans?
Yes! The low labeling of the products ensure a safer working environment for employees.
3. How much energy savings can be expected?
Due to their ability to clean at significantly lower temperatures, intelligent fluids can achieve noticeable energy reductions compared to traditional solvents.
4. Can this technology replace traditional solvents?
Yes, intelligent fluids are a solvent-free alternative for many industrial applications, capable of matching or exceeding the performance of traditional cleaning methods.
5. How are intelligent fluids environmentally sustainable?
Their water-based composition and reduced waste generation make them eco-friendly, while their biodegradable nature ensures a minimal long-term environmental impact.
Why intelligent fluids is the Future of Cleaning
Considering the growing demand for sustainable production methods across industries, the advantages of intelligent fluids are undeniable. Unlike toxic solvents, these fluids prioritize both performance and environmental responsibility.
Are you ready to revolutionize your cleaning processes? With intelligent fluids , you can significantly lower your carbon footprint, protect your employees, and stay ahead of regulatory standards without sacrificing efficiency.