Comparison of the differences between PFA, PTFE, and PVDF in semiconductor applications

In the fluid transport systems of precision semiconductor manufacturing, the choice of materials directly determines the purity and stability of the process. As the global semiconductor industry's requirements for ultra-high purity (UHP) increase, fluoropolymers have become a core key material due to their excellent chemical inertness and temperature resistance.

This article will provide an in-depth analysis of Bueno Technology's three core materials: PFA, PTFE, and PVDF, exploring their key differences in physical properties, processing precision, and semiconductor applications, helping equipment engineers achieve the best balance between performance and cost.

PFA vs PTFE: Practical Differences in Semiconductor Fluid Transport

PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy)

1. High process safety: It is chemically inert and can withstand most corrosive chemicals.
2. Melt processable: Compared to PTFE, PFA's molecular structure allows for melt injection molding and extrusion processing, making it suitable for manufacturing complex-shaped valves, pipe fittings, and other high-cleanliness components.
3. In semiconductor manufacturing processes, it is commonly used for: high-purity chemical delivery pipelines, valve linings, cleanroom-grade accessories, etc.

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)

1. The king of chemical inertness: It has extremely high resistance to almost all strong acids, bases and organic solvents, making it suitable for the most demanding corrosive environments.
2. Extremely low coefficient of friction: performs exceptionally well in seals and sliding parts such as valve seats and sealing rings.
3. Processing limitations: PTFE melt viscosity is extremely high, requiring special processes such as cold pressing and sintering, and is not suitable for conventional injection molding/extrusion.
4. Application scenarios: High chemical resistance sealing elements and insulating components, especially performing well in corrosive extreme conditions or static sealing parts.

Material selection considerations (PFA vs PTFE): In high-purity fluid systems for semiconductors, PFA is the preferred choice for applications requiring high mechanical strength and complex, fusible components; PTFE is the better choice for applications requiring extreme chemical resistance and ultra-low friction sealing.

In the precision manufacturing process of semiconductors, the stability of the fluid delivery system directly affects the product yield.

The following is an analysis of the key differences among common fluoroplastics used in semiconductor manufacturing processes:

Bueno Technology's Technological Breakthrough in High-Purity PFA Modules

PFA, due to its excellent processability and chemical purity, has become the most important material in semiconductor wet processes. Zhengfeng Technology has made several optimizations to its PFA products:

1. Clean production environment: All PFA fittings and valve assemblies are injection molded and packaged in a Class 1000 cleanroom to ensure that the amount of particles and metal ions released from the material surface meets the minimum standards.
2. High-reliability connection technology: The Fit-One flared connector developed by Zhengfeng is an improvement on the "stress relaxation" phenomenon of PFA pipes under drastic temperature fluctuations, effectively preventing the risk of chemical leakage.
3. Flow channel smoothing treatment: Through precision mold technology, dead corners and surface roughness inside the PFA valve body are reduced, preventing bacterial growth or crystallization problems caused by chemical residue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are there differences in the chemical properties of PFA and PTFE?

A: Both have similar chemical inertness and are resistant to almost all acids, alkalis, and solvents. The main difference is:

1. PFA purity is easier to control (no powder additives required during melt processing).
2. PTFE has slightly better resistance to very small amounts of molten alkali metals (which are rarely encountered in actual semiconductor applications).
3. In commonly used semiconductor chemicals such as HF, H₂SO₄, HNO₃, and NH₄OH, there is no substantial difference in performance between the two.

Q2: Can PVDF resist all semiconductor chemicals?

A: PVDF has good resistance to most acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, but has the following limitations:

1. Intolerant to: concentrated sulfuric acid (>80%), fuming nitric acid, and high-temperature strong alkalis (>80°C KOH).
2. Not recommended for long-term use with certain polar aprotic solvents (DMF, DMSO) and ketone solvents.
3. At temperatures above 150°C: Chemical resistance decreases significantly.

For SPM cleaning solution (H₂SO₄:H₂O₂ = 4:1, temperature 120-150°C), PFA must be used.

Q3: Will the material degrade after long-term use?

A: Under normal operating conditions:

1. PFA: Almost no degradation below 260°C, designed lifespan 10-15 years.
2. PTFE: Stable below 280°C, but will deform under mechanical stress due to cold flow.
3. PVDF: Can be used stably for more than 10 years at temperatures below 120°C.

Factors that accelerate aging:

1. UV light exposure (all fluoroplastics should be avoided)
2. Use above the recommended temperature (PVDF is most sensitive).
3. High-energy radiation (electron beams, gamma rays)

The indoor environment of semiconductor plants is very friendly to these materials, and their normal lifespan can reach 15-20 years.

Market Trends: Why do global customers choose Zhengfeng Technology?

Founded in 1969, BUENO TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer specializing in precision flow control components and high-purity fluid transfer systems. The company has factories in Taiwan, Shanghai, and Vietnam, producing products such as PFA-lined valves, PFA fittings, and PTFE parts in Class 1000 cleanrooms. These products are used in high-cleanliness processes in semiconductor, optoelectronic, electronic chemical, and petrochemical industries, emphasizing safety, long lifespan, and low maintenance costs.

Industry material selection advice and BUENO's supply chain advantages

Key considerations for material selection in semiconductor manufacturing processes:

1. Chemical transport cleanliness requirements are extremely high; PFA lining systems and components are preferred.
2. Corrosion-resistant seals: PTFE seals and interfaces perform best when exposed to the highest levels of corrosive chemicals.
3. Mechanical structure and high-pressure piping: PVDF structural components provide higher strength for systems that require high-pressure loads or frequent vibrations.

BUENO's global market presence:

1. BUENO offers a one-stop material solution including PFA-lined valves, PFA fittings, PTFE parts, and high-purity accessories.
2. Our products cover semiconductor, electrochemical and high-purity fluid systems, and can meet various SEMI/high cleanliness requirements.
3. Global manufacturing and supply chain capabilities (Taiwan, Shanghai, Vietnam) help meet the supply resilience requirements in smart manufacturing environments.

In the context of increasingly stringent global supply chain stability requirements, Zhengfeng Technology has demonstrated the following advantages:

1. Certification completeness: The product complies with SEMI F19/F57 specifications, which have become a global passport for semiconductor fluid components.
2. Vertically integrated supply chain: A one-stop service from raw material selection to finished product inspection ensures batch-to-batch consistency, which is crucial for semiconductor manufacturing processes that require extremely repeatability.
3. Environmental sustainability and efficiency: By reducing fluoroplastic waste through efficient injection molding technology, we respond to the semiconductor industry's expectations for ESG supply chain management.

PFA is the preferred choice for precision manufacturing processes, PTFE provides the strongest sealing protection, and PVDF is the backbone of high-efficiency delivery. Bueno's diverse product line helps semiconductor equipment manufacturers achieve the optimal balance between purity and cost.