How to Clean Semiconductors

Exotic substances such as dissolved ozone may be used to clean semiconductors.

As their name implies, semiconductors are materials that only become good conductors of electricity when certain variables such as the temperature and the amount of energy introduced are adjusted. Semiconductors are critical components in many of the electronic devices that are a part of the everyday life of most people, including computers and cellphones. Depending upon how the semiconductor is being used, there are a whole host of different cleaning materials that can be used, ranging from specialized detergents to emulsifying agents.

Instructions

1. Utilize Transene 100 to remove contaminants and foreign substances from the surface of semiconductors. Place the semiconductors in a beaker containing Transene 100. Next, place the beaker containing the semiconductors and Transene on top of a hot plate and bring the Transene to a boil. Allow the Transene to boil gently for about five minutes before removing the beaker from the hot plate. The semiconductors do not require an additional wash or rinse as the Transene leaves no residue.

2. Use Waxcut to remove grease, finishing contaminants, silicones and finishing compounds left over from the semiconductor manufacturing process. Allow 6 oz. of Waxcut to dissolve completely in 1 gallon of water. Immerse the semiconductor material in the dissolved Waxcut after the mixture has been brought to a temperature of about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the semiconductors throughly after removing them from the mixture.

3. Utilize an emulsifying agent to clean semiconductors that are less sodium sensitive. The cleaning agent will remove organic residue material transmitted to the semiconductors in the manufacturing process. Liquinox is a popular emulsifying cleaner that can be used. Soak the semiconductors in a bath of water and 1 percent concentration of Liquinox. If the Liquinox bath does not remove the organic residue material, it may be necessary to use a detergent that is compatible with the semiconductor substrate.

References

• Semi 1 Source: Semiconductor Cleaning and Conditioning
• Transense: Semiconductor Materials Cleaning
• Alconox: Cleaning Semiconductors