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By Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey - January 21, 2026

Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, PhD (Chemistry), is the Founder of PharmaGuru.co and a senior Analytical Research Expert with over 31 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He specializes in analytical method development and validation, pharmaceutical research, quality control, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, and has contributed to analytical innovation and quality excellence across leading Indian and global pharmaceutical companies. Contact: admin@pharmaguru.co

Electronic chemicals in the electronics industry explained with types, applications, semiconductor solvents, top manufacturers, and FAQs, highlighting their critical role in modern electronics and semiconductors.

Electronic Chemicals In Electronics Industry: Types, Applications,Top Manufacturers & FAQs

Electronic Chemicals In Electronics Industry
Electronic Chemicals In Electronics Industry: Types, Applications,Top Manufacturers & FAQs 2

Introduction & Learning Outcome

Electronic chemicals play a critical role in the rapid advancement of modern electronics. From making laptops lighter to enabling clearer, larger, and more energy-efficient mobile phone displays, electronic chemicals are at the heart of today’s technological innovation.

In this article, you will gain a clear understanding of electronic chemicals, their types, key applications, semiconductor solvents, leading manufacturers, and answers to frequently asked questions. This knowledge is useful for students, professionals, and anyone interested in the electronics or semiconductor industry.

What Are Electronic Chemicals?

Electronic chemicals are a class of high-purity specialty chemicals used in the electronics industry to enhance the performance, reliability, and cost efficiency of electronic components and devices.

Due to their exceptional purity and precisely controlled chemical properties, electronic chemicals are essential for manufacturing:

  • Semiconductors
  • Integrated circuits (ICs)
  • Printed circuit boards (PCBs)
  • Display panels (LCD, OLED)

They enable critical processes such as etching, cleaning, doping, coating, and surface modification, ensuring optimal performance of electronic products.

Related:

Common Types of Electronic Chemicals

Some of the most widely used electronic chemicals include:

  • Specialty gases
  • CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) slurries
  • Photoresists
  • Conductive polymers
  • Wet chemicals
  • Acids, bases, and solvents
  • Electronic materials (wafers, laminates, substrates)

Key Applications

Electronic chemicals are primarily used in the following three major applications:

1. Semiconductor Manufacturing

Electronic chemicals enable:

  • Wafer patterning
  • Doping of semiconductors
  • Surface cleaning and oxide removal

They are critical for producing high-performance and miniaturised semiconductor devices.

2. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

In PCB manufacturing, electronic chemicals are used for:

  • Etching copper layers
  • Electroplating
  • Cleaning and developing circuits

PCBs form the foundation of almost all electronic systems.

3. Display Panels

In LCD and OLED manufacturing, electronic chemicals assist in:

  • Substrate cleaning
  • Thin-film etching
  • Surface preparation

They directly influence display clarity, brightness, and durability.

Semiconductor Solvents

Semiconductor solvents are chemicals used during semiconductor fabrication to clean, etch, dissolve materials, and remove residues at various stages of device manufacturing.

Key Characteristics of Semiconductor Solvents

  • Ultra-high purity
  • Low residue formation
  • Controlled volatility
  • Compatibility with cleanroom environments

Common Semiconductor Solvents and Their Uses

Acetone

  • Uses: Removes organic residues, oils, and particles from wafer surfaces
  • Properties: Highly volatile, fast evaporation, minimal residue

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

  • Uses: Final wafer rinse, equipment cleaning
  • Properties: Low residue, safe, fast-drying

N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP)

  • Uses: Photoresist stripping, polymer dissolution
  • Properties: Strong polar solvent

Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)

  • Uses: Etching silicon dioxide, oxide removal
  • Properties: Highly corrosive and toxic; used in dilute form

Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)

  • Uses: Piranha cleaning solutions for organic residue removal
  • Properties: Extremely corrosive

Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₄OH)

  • Uses: Removal of organic and inorganic contaminants
  • Properties: Strong base

Tetrahydrofuran (THF)

  • Uses: Dissolving photoresists and polymers
  • Properties: Volatile, low polarity

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

  • Uses: Cleaning and photoresist removal
  • Properties: Highly polar, excellent solvent power

Chlorinated Solvents

  • Uses: Cleaning organic contaminants (declining use)
  • Properties: Effective but environmentally hazardous

Ozone & UV-Ozone Treatment

  • Uses: Removal of organic residues, surface activation
  • Properties: Strong oxidizing capability

Key Considerations When Using Semiconductor Solvents

  • Purity: Prevents device contamination
  • Volatility: Enables fast drying
  • Safety: Requires proper PPE and ventilation
  • Environmental Impact: Shift toward eco-friendly alternatives

Top Electronic Chemicals Companies

Leading manufacturers of electronic chemicals include:

  • Dow Inc. – Speciality chemicals for semiconductors and displays
  • Sumitomo Chemical – High-purity electronic materials
  • DuPont – Electronic materials for ICs, displays, and advanced packaging

As demand for advanced electronics and semiconductors grows, these companies continue to drive innovation.

Conclusion

Electronic chemicals are indispensable to the electronics and semiconductor industry, enabling precision, performance, and miniaturisation of modern devices. From semiconductor fabrication to display technology, their role continues to expand with technological advancement.

I hope this article has helped you understand electronic chemicals, their applications, and their importance in the electronics industry.
You may also explore related articles on my blog, such as GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) and SOPs in Industry.

Related: Specialty Chemicals Vs Commodity Chemicals: Definitions, Examples, Applications, Market Trends, Future Outlook & FAQs

FAQs

What chemicals are used in the semiconductor?

The typical chemicals which are used in the semiconductors are trichloroethylene, isopropyl alcohol(IPA), ethanol (ETOH) and acetone

What is the Electronic chemicals?

The Specialty chemicals, which are used in the electronic industries to enhance technological performance, cost efficiency of electronic components and devices, are called Electronic chemicals.

What are the EC chemicals?

Emulsifiable concentrate formulations are called EC chemicals. EC is an oil based formulation which contains active ingredients dissolved in solvents and emulsifiers.

What harmful chemicals are in electronics?

Electronics contain several harmful chemicals like Beryllium, Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb). Mercury (Hg), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)

What chemicals are used in the microchips?

Chemicals like Xylene, Ethylene glycol, ammonia, Arsenic, Nitrate compounds, Hydrogen fluoride and cadmium are used in microchips.

What is the main ingredient in the semiconductor?

Silicon or Germanium or compounds such as Gallium arsenide

References
Abbreviations
  • Ecs: Electronic chemicals

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