PFAS in the Semiconductor Industry
ABSTRACT
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that are used throughout the semiconductor supply chain due to their wide range of physical and chemical properties in the form of gases, liquids or slid high-molecular weight polymers.
The exceptional physiochemical properties of PFAS – including but not limited to low surface tension, chemical stability and compatibility, purity, low degree of friction, high resistance to extreme temperatures and an extended service life (> 25 years) – allow manufacturers to even satisfy multiple and overlapping technical requirements.
While there are some promising replacements, at this point in time, no known alternatives exist for most of the uses of PFAS by the semiconductor industry across their supply chain, thus requiring alternative substances to be researched, invented and potentially applied into mass production in order to be recognized as viable.
BIOGRAPHY
Stefano Ramundo Orlando, Advocacy Manager at SEMI Europe, is a young professional working at the heart of the European Union in Brussels, dealing horizontally across the crucial policy areas that are relevant for the European and global semiconductor industry.
In recent years Stefano has been deeply involved on behalf of SEMI in the key regulatory processes concerning the use of chemicals in the semiconductor industry, to create a legislative framework that fosters innovation and technological competitiveness across our industry.
Stefano retains an in-depth knowledge and experience with the legislative processes and internal dynamics of the EU institutions (European Commission, Parliament and Council), particularly regarding the EU policy approaches towards issues related to industry, trade and sustainability.