Document gmQ9K26Yepr457nm2ZdYZ6aG
JP4EE Annex 9 Unfeasibility of other possible substitutes in actual EEE - Review of "possible substitutes" in ChemSEC Guide
As of 22 September 2023
Note: The applications of PFAS in EEE have not been investigated in the dossier in details, and possible alternatives described in the dossier is very few. We provided the results of our review for them as our Annex 2, "The unfeasibility of "possible substitutes" in the dossier in the actual EEE". (Reattached as sheet
2 of this excel.)
On the other hand, as long as we know, the most collective available information on this matter would be "A guide to PFAS in electronics" by ChemSEC, and
we suppose that ECHA may refer to it.
However, from the point-of-view from the actual manufacturers of EEE, the listed "possible substitutes" seem to be (still) unfeasible to attain the EEE performances needed in current IT society. Therefore, we prepare this Annex for the legislators' reference. ChemSEC "A guide to PFAS in electronics"
https://chemsec.org/reports/check-your-tech-a-guide-to-pfas-in-electronics/
Category of use
Function performed
Product(s)
PFAS identified
Contained in the product?
Actively used?
Electrical Devices
Structure/low dielectric constant/insulation
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)/ Printed Wiring Board (PWB)
6:2 FTSA (27619-97-2) Perfluorooctane sulfonamid (754-91-6)
PFOS (1763-23-1) PFBA (375-22-4) PTFE (9002-84-0) ethene,1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-, polymer with 1,1'oxybis[ethene]
(102646-47-9)
Yes1,2
Confirmed3
Alternatives available?
Yes
Alternatives Identified
Additional Comments
FR-4 epoxy, Polyimide laminates, liquid crystal polymer, polyester, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), bismaleimide triazine (BT), cyantate
ester, ceramics 4 cyanate ester
PFOS and PFOA are banned so considered unlikely to be still be used for this function. The alternative FR4
contains brominated flame retardants, which might lead to a case of regrettable substitution 62
Noted by industry 62 that for existing designs, PTFE cannot be easily substituted in PCB/PWB without a complete redesign of the equipment (including the mechanical dimensions of the product) and not feasible
for spare parts.
References 1,2,3,4, 62
Comments on ChemSec-Electronics-Guide
All of the materials listed as alternatives have a high relative permittivity (square root proportional to transmission loss), and especially the dissipation factor (proportional to transmission loss) is very large, so it is not a substitute for high-frequency printed circuit boards. This difference in properties will have a significant impact on the social demand for reduced power consumption in the carbon-neutral era, as well as on the dramatic reduction of power consumption for the transmission of millimeter wave band mobile communications (5G/6G) and digital data communications in high-speed servers (224/448 Gbps) that are expected in the future.
6:2 FTSA (27619-97-2) Perfluorooctane sulfonamid (754-91-6)
Electrical Devices
Final
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)/ Printed
Coating/protection/waterproofing
Wiring Board (PWB)
PFOS (1763-23-1) PFBA (375-22-4) PTFE (9002-84-0)
Yes5
Confirmed6
Yes
ethene,1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-, polymer with 1,1'oxybis[ethene] (102646-47-9)
Acrylic Resin, Epoxy, Urethane resin, silicone resin 7
The substances listed in the alternatives identified cannot be substituted for all applications. For example, epoxy resin is hard and cannot be used for flexible substrates. In addition, even if it can be used, urethane resin and acrylic resin are inferior to PFAS in moisture-proof, so it is necessary to increase the film thickness to obtain the necessary moisture-proof properties. Silicone resin cannot be used in the vicinity of relays, mechanical switches or membrane switches, where the silicone resin has a risk that siloxanes that deteriorate and release the silicone accumulate 5,6,7 omnaltfhuencctoionndudcuteiotnopcaornt taancdt fcaailuusree. conduction failure and may cause For details, please refer to the high-speed communication section of Annex 6, Smartphone and Protective Coat.
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
Liquid impregnates Dielectric films
Capacitors Capacitors
Electrical Devices
Electrical signal; Piezoelectrical material
Acoustical Equipment
Aliphatic perfluoroalkane (355-42-0) Perfluoromethylcycloalkane (1805-22-7, 255-02-2)
Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcycloalkane (355-27-3) Perfluorotrialkyl amine (311-89-7) Perfluorinated cyclic ethers (?)
PTFE (9002-84-0) PVDF (24937-79-9)
PVDF (24937-79-9) Copolymers with trifluoroethylene
Electrical Devices
Acoustic vent membranes
Acoustical Equipment
Not specified
Electrical Devices
Dipole moment
LCDs(Liquid Crystal Displays)
Fluoropolymers
Yes1
Unconfirmed
Yes
Mineral oils, vegetable oils, silicone oils, and biodegradable synthetic
oils.8
Various other polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE),
polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), PEN, polyphenyl sulfide (PPS),
Yes8
Unconfirmed
Yes
polyester imides (PEI), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyvinylchoride (PVC), polyimides (PI), polyamides (PA), and
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Piezoelectric films seem to all be made of PVDF, but there are other
Yes1
Confirmed9
Yes
piezoelectric materials that can be used depending on the application,
such as ceramic piezoelectric materials or piezoelectric crystals10
We have no information.
1,8
We have no information.
1
1,9,10
Ceramics have been proposed as alternatives to piezoelectric elements, but they are fragile and limited in shape, making it difficult to form large areas.
We cannot comment on PFAS or alternatives because there are no examples.
Yes
Unconfirmed
No
No alternatives identified
Alternatives for moist protection do not seem to be available.
REF for this one?
Yes1,11
Unconfirmed
Yes
Can use other screen technologies instead of LCD
OLEDs (organic light-emitting diode) cannot replace all LCDs. Compared
to LCDs, OLEDs have some challenges to solve such as higher power
consumption (contrary to energy saving), shorter life, and inability to
repair (high cost). Therefore, it is impossible to replace the LCDs during
the proposed five-year grace period. It took 20 years for OELDs to reach their current status, so we think that it will take at least 12 years to solve
1,11
such challenges and replace LCDs.
Electrical Devices
Protective coating
LCDs(Liquid Crystal Displays)
PCTFE (9002-83-9)
Yes1
Unconfirmed
Yes
Can use other screen technologies instead of LCD
We have no information.
1
Category of use
Function performed
Product(s)
PFAS identified
Contained in the product?
Actively used?
Alternatives available?
Alternatives Identified
Electrical Devices
Electrical Insulation/dust repellent
Flat panel display
Tetrabutylphosphonium perfluorobutane sulfonate (220689-12-3)
Tetrabutylphosphonium perfluoromethane sulfonate
Yes1
Unconfirmed
Yes
Tetrabutylphosphonium perfluorohexane sulfonate
(patent)
Tetrabutylphosphonium perfluorooctane sulfonate
Various other polymers such as polyester and polycarbonate
Additional Comments
References 1, 12, 13
Comments on ChemSec-Electronics-Guide
In flat panel display materials, the required performance (optical properties) of the product can be satisfied by introducing fluorine atoms to the functional molecules in the material. Alternative substances must have the characteristics of "low surface tension", "high wettability to the base material", and "hydrophobicity" equivalent to fluorine, but no substitute substance has been found that satisfies these sufficiently. In addition, general-purpose polymers are listed as alternatives, but as described above, polymers alone cannot meet the required performance (optical properties) and some alternatives have fluorine introduced, so they are considered inappropriate as non-PFAS alternatives.
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
Not specified
Razors
Not specified Coating
Various (Switches, Vacuum cleaners, Coffee makers, Keyboards, Screens,
TVs
Electroluminescent lamps in commercial/safety signs
Insulation/Fire prevention
Wiring and cable insulation
Electrical Devices
Insultation / heat resistant
Wiring and cable insulation
Electrical Devices
Insultation / heat resistant in combination with specific sensors
Wiring and cable insulation
Electrical Devices
Insulation / chemical resistant
Wiring and cable insulation
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
High frequency electrical insulation
Wiring and cable insulation
Insulating spacers locate conductive components
(Coaxial) cable
High voltage insulator
Connectors and other parts in submarine long distance
telecommunication cable applications
Additive in plastic resins (e.g. PC/ABS)
Plastic Enclosures
PTFE (9002-84-0)
Not specified PCTFE (9002-83-9) PVDF-HFP copolymer (9011-17-0) FEP (25067-11-2) ETFE (68258-85-5) ECTFE (25101-45-5) PCTFE (9002-83-9) PTFE (9002-84-0)
PTFE (9002-84-0)
PTFE (9002-84-0)
PTFE (9002-84-0)
PTFE (9002-84-0) PTFE (9002-84-0) PTFE (9002-84-0) PTFE (9002-84-0)
Yes1
Unconfirmed
Uncertain
Yes1 Yes1
Unconfirmed Unconfirmed
Uncertain Uncertain
Yes1
Confirmed15
Yes
Yes62
Confirmed 62
Yes62
Yes62
Confirmed 62
Yes62
Yes62
Confirmed 62
No62
Yes62 Yes62 Yes62 Yes62
Confirmed 62
Uncertain62
Confirmed 62
Uncertain62
Confirmed 62
Uncertain62
Confirmed 62
Uncertain62
Electrical Devices
V0 flame retardancy plastics
Adapters, PSUs, wiring
PTFE (9002-84-0)
Yes62
Confirmed 62
Yes62
Unconfirmed Unconfirmed Unconfirmed Plastics (PVC, PE, PP, etc.) Rubbers (neoprene, silicone, etc)
16,17,18
Rubbers (neoprene, silicone, etc)
Rubbers (neoprene, silicone, etc)
No alternatives identified Unconfirmed Unconfirmed Unconfirmed Unconfirmed
(Unspecified) BFRs, CFRs 62
PFAS are used for lubricity, durability, and antifouling requirements.
1,14
We have no information.
1,14
1 We have no information.
Industry note that, in practice PVC is favoured for this use, so in fact PFAS could be used if PVC is not possible.
Other materials mentioned as alternatives have some drawbacks 62.
1,15,16,17,18
Flame retardant cables used in harsh conditions must have very good fire resistance. PVC as a flame-retardant material is not satisfactory, and safety cannot be guaranteed at all with other PFAS alternatives.
Industry association 62 note that rubbers have less mechanical strength and less abrasion resistance. Thicker insulation might be needed or additional mechanical support. Might lead to partial redesign to
accomodate for the additional space required.
Flame retardant cables used in harsh conditions must have very good fire resistance. PVC as a flame-retardant material is not satisfactory, and safety cannot be guaranteed at all with other PFAS alternatives.
62
Industry association 62 note that silicone insulation will lead to chemical deposition on the sensors, making them
malfunction.
Special sensors used in harsh conditions are required to be heat-
resistant, chemical-resistant, and durable. Neoprene rubber has lower
characteristics than PFAS. In addition, silicone rubber deteriorates and
62
separates siloxanes, which may cause conduction failure of the contacts.
Industry association 62 note that no alternative available when chemical resistance is required.
Insulated cables used in acidic or alkaline atmospheres and
environments where chemicals come into contact are required to have
excellent chemical resistance, and no material other than PFAS has been
62
identified that can ensure safety.
Industry association 62 note thatPTFE has a very low dielectric constant. There is no comparable alternative.
PTFE as an additive (3000-5000 ppm) in PC 62 ; Industry noted that in order for plastics to meet the V0 flame
retardancy grade, it is required that there is suppression of dripping of any melted plastic as the plastic is heated.
Only alternatives would be brominated or chlorinated flame retardants which are also restricted.
No alternatives for high frequency electronic insulating materials have
62
been identified.
In the insulated spacers in coaxial cables, PFAS alternatives cannot be
62
identified.
No alternative to PFAS has been identified in high-voltage insulators
used in connectors and other components for submarine long-distance
62
communication cable applications.
62 We have no information.
Resins used in the housings of devices such as TVs and personal
computers, and resins used around power supplies and heating elements in electrical parts may be required to be certified as flame retardant
according to UL94 standards by law. In order to satisfy these standards,
the addition of flame retardants is unavoidable, but especially for
advanced resins of V-0 grade or higher, it is necessary to prevent the
generation of burning particles that can ignite, and drip prevention is essential.
When halogen flame retardants are regulated by law, and inorganic flame
retardants and phosphate ester flame retardants may be used, inorganic
flame retardants need to be added in large quantities to obtain a sufficient
flame-retardant effect, resulting in impaired physical properties of the
resin. On the other hand, phosphate ester flame retardants are limited to resins that are easy to exert effects (resins that are easily carbonized
including oxygen) due to the flame-retardant expression mechanism
(carbonization layer formation during combustion). Flame retardant resins
62
using phosphate ester flame retardants in polycarbonate and styrene
resin alloys (PC/ABS) are widely used in home appliances and OA
equipment, but because they are easy to drip due to the plasticizing effect of phosphate ester flame retardants. In order to achieve V-0, it is
essential to add PTFE, which is an anti-drip agent (fibrillated
fluoropolymer increases the melt tension of low-viscosity resins and has
an anti-drip effect) as a flame retardant auxiliary. In addition, the addition
of an anti-drip agent makes it possible to reduce flame retardants.
Category of use
Function performed
Product(s)
Electrical Devices
Protective coatings (dirt, scratch, smudge resistance)
Radiation Curable Coatings on Smartphones & other screens
Electrical Devices
Protective coatings (dirt, water, UV)
Solar Panels
PFAS identified
PTFE (9002-84-0) PVDF (24937-79-9) Perfluoropoly-ether and polyurethane blend
Contained in the product?
Actively used?
Alternatives available?
Alternatives Identified
Yes19
Unconfirmed
Yes
Silica-based coatings, Polymethylmethacrylate powder coating19
FEP (25067-11-2) ETFE (68258-85-5) FEVE (146915-43-7)
Yes19
Unconfirmed
Yes
PETPCPolyamidesPS Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles19
Additional Comments
References
Comments on ChemSec-Electronics-Guide
PFAS alternatives for antifouling coatings that satisfy solvent resistance have not been identified.
19
Durability, weather resistance, light resistance (especially UV resistance), and antifouling are important for the protective film of photovoltaic panels,
but PET, PC, Polyamide, and PS are easily degraded by the ultraviolet
light contained in sunlight, which shortens the life of the panel. TiO2 is
19
added to improve hydrophilicity, not an alternative.
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
Electrical Devices
Coating
ICT equipment with imaging senors
Not specified
Yes62
Lubricant
ICT equipment
Not specified
Yes62
Coating
Touchscreen displays, camera glass, mousepads, backglass
Not specified
Yes62
Proton exchange membrane
Fuel Cell
Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-[1-[difluoro[(trifluoroethenyl)oxy]methyl]-
1,2,2,2,-tetrafluoroethyoxy-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-, polymer with
tetrafluoroethene (31175-20-9)
Yes20
PTFE (9002-84-0) Other proprietary polymers
Binder
Lithium Ion Batteries
PVDF (24937-79-9)
Yes22,23
Confirmed 62 Confirmed 62 Confirmed 62 Confirmed Confirmed24
We have no information.
Industry association notes that use in coating to fill main
ingress path to oleic acid and thus prevent glue failure at imaging sensor. Coating must be able to fill the gap by
No62
No alternatives identified
capillary action after jet dispensing.
62
Only potential alternative is Silicone but Silicone absorbs oil, is sticky, causes cross contamination and leads to adhesion loss of other components. 62
In ICT equipments, PFAS alternatives for dry coat cannot be used due to
Lubrication/coating e.g. for Silicone O ring installation - e.g. to provide good corrosion resistance, low Coefficient
corrosion and appearance problems. Also, PFAS alternatives for lubricants do not meet the required properties.
of Friction <0.15, good adhesion to substrate, low surface
roughness Ra < 0.6 um, harder than Polycarbonate to
withstand 30K cycles of REL testing. Coating to fill main
ingress path to oleic acid and thus prevent glue failure at
No62
No alternatives identified
imaging sensor. Coating must be able to fill the gap by
62
capillary action after jet dispensing.
Industry association noted that all alternative dry coatings have been tested and failed for either corrosion or cosmetics. Alternative lubricants have been tested and do not meet performance requirements 62.
Yes 62
Silicone-based coatings
Low surface energy anti-finger printing and haptics enabling coatings
Industry association62 note that silicone alternatives absorb oil, are sticky, and cross contamination leads to adhesion loss of other components. Silicone alternatives would create dysfunction in haptics - blocking transmission to sensors in touchscreens.
Uncertain
Hydrocarbon multi-block copolymer electrolyte membranes [multiblock copolymer poly(sulphonate phenylene)-b-poly(arylene ether ketone)] -
under development. 20
Car industry argues that no replacements are available, since for example only PFSA ionomers have reached technological maturity for use in proton exchange membranes for these functions in the harsh
environment of a fuel cell. 21
Maybe
PI, PAA, CMC, SBR
Many suggest that PVDF will soon be replaced with better performing and more environmentally friendly alternatives, but this appears to be
largely at research stage.22,23
When a touch display or camera lens is coated with a silicone base alternatives it is not suitable for high-performance products because silicone base alternatives absorb oil, increase stickiness, which causes dysfunction of haptics (blocking transmission to touchscreen sensors) .
62
20, 21
PTFE is the only material that can withstand redox environments. For details, please refer to the comments of the organizations that handle the equipments.
Please refer to the input from the battery industries, such as those from RECHARGE (Ref.No. 3925 in RCOM Part.2) or from Battery Association of Japan (BAJ) (Ref.No.4331 in RCOM part 14), for the concrete details.
22.23.24
Electrical Devices
Electrolyte
Lithium Ion Batteries
Electrical Devices
Cathode electrode binder material
Lithium Batteries
LiTFSI (90076-65-6) LiBETI (132843-44-8)
LiFAPLiTFAB LiFSI (171611-11-3)
LiTA
PVDF and copolymers
Yes25
Confirmed26
Yes
Yes62
Confirmed 62
No
LiPF6 is the standard electrolyte for lithium ion batteries, but more efficient PFAS compounds are being developed/implemented.
No alternatives identified
Industry association 62 consider that there is no alternative
to PVDF for cathode electrode binder material. It is noted 62 that over the years many polymers have been tried and PVDF has consistently been found to be the best option
to meet the performance and process requirements for binder material. Originally PVDF was used as the binder
material for both anode and cathodes. More recently styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR) was found to be a good alternative for the anode binder material. CMC is used together with SBR as a thickener to control slurry
viscosity. CMC/SBR is now the most popular anode binder material due to its low cost and good cell
performance. But SBR is not a good option for the cathode binder material as its double bound structure can
be oxidized under cathode potential. Replacing PVDF
with other polymers will likely cause cell performance and manufacturability issues.
25, 26 62
Please refer to the input from the battery industries, such as those from RECHARGE (Ref.No. 3925 in RCOM Part.2) or from Battery Association of Japan (BAJ) (Ref.No.4331 in RCOM part 14), for the concrete details.
Please refer to the input from the battery industries, such as those from RECHARGE (Ref.No. 3925 in RCOM Part.2) or from Battery Association of Japan (BAJ) (Ref.No.4331 in RCOM part 14), for the concrete details.
Category of use
Function performed
Product(s)
Electrical Devices
Battery separator material
Lithium Batteries
PFAS identified PVDF and copolymers
Contained in the product?
Actively used?
Alternatives available?
Yes62
Confirmed 62
No62
Alternatives Identified No alternatives identified
Additional Comments
References
Comments on ChemSec-Electronics-Guide
Please refer to the input from the battery industries, such as those from RECHARGE (Ref.No. 3925 in RCOM Part.2) or from Battery Association of Japan (BAJ) (Ref.No.4331 in RCOM part 14), for the concrete details.
Industry association 62 consider that no alternative would
result in similar performance of battery.
62
Electrical Devices
Creation of important microporous structures
Speaker modules
Electrical Devices
Gaskets
Electronic circuits
Expanded PTFE
Yes62
Confirmed 62
No62
PTFE
Yes62
Unconfirmed
No62
Electrical Devices
Low friction
Moving parts, paper handling in printers
PTFE
Yes62
Confirmed 62
Yes 62
Electrical Devices
Low friction - non-stick (e.g. prevent toner sticking)
Moving parts e.g. in printers
PTFE
Yes62
Confirmed 62
No62
Electrical Devices
Chemical resistance
Printers: ink tubing, sealing, parts in contact with ink
Fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers
Yes62
Confirmed 62
No62
Electrical Devices
Lubrication
Manufacture
Chemical resistance, flexibility, sealing
Lubricant Tubing, valves, sealing
PTFE, PFHxA related substances PTFE, PVDF, fluoroelastomers
Yes62
Confirmed 62
Yes 62
No (only used in
factory, not in
Confirmed 62
No62
electronic product)
Manufacture
Separation of high voltage components
Dielectric Fluids (3MTM NovecTM 7100 Engineered
Fluid 3MTM FluorinertTM Electronic Liquids)
1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (138495-42-8) PTFE
Yes1
Confirmed27
Yes
No alternatives identified No alternatives identified
We have no information.
Expanded PTFE for speaker membrane. Industry
association62 notes that PTFE has a unique ability to
create important microporous structures that allow for
proper air permeability and good water and dust-proofing.
62
Industry association 62 consider that using an alternative would result in loss of sound transmission quality and durability,
There is no gasket material that is both solvent resistant and heat resistant other than PFAS.
Industry association 62 notes that PTFE has unique quality
to allow vapor and gas to pass through while preventing
liquds from doing so which is required for applications in
which venting is very important. This is important in many
elecronic circuits that require venting without water
62
entering an enclosure and building up around circuits.
Industry association 62 consider that using an alternative would not allow for water proofing simultaneous with gas
permeability.
Several other materials, depending on the specific use case.
Industry association 62 notes that alternatives have to be investigated on case by case basis and there is no dropin replacement. Often a more comprehensive redesign is
required.
The low-friction properties of PTFE include not only a low coefficient of dynamic friction but also a low coefficient of static friction, as well as heat resistance, electrical insulation, flame retardancy, and chemical resistance. Replacing it with a substitute product causes an increase in power consumption due to an increase in sliding resistance, a 62 ddeetteerriioorraattiioonn iinn qduuireatbnielitsys., and a shortening of service life due to *Please refer to the input from the related industries, such as Japan Business Machine and Information System Industries Association (JBMIA), for the concrete details.
No alternatives identified
*Please refer to the input from the related industries, such as Japan Business Machine and Information System Industries Association (JBMIA), for the concrete details.
62
No alternatives identified Silicone lubricants
No alternatives identified Natural and synthetic esters28,29,30
Industry association 62 consider that for chemcial resistance, there is no alternative
Containers and tubes that can maintain the performance of the things
contained inside must have multiple functions such as abrasion
resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and cleanliness, and
such materials have not been confirmed except for PFAS.
62
*Please refer to the input from the related industries, such as Japan
Business Machine and Information System Industries Association
(JBMIA), for the concrete details.
Industry association 62 consider that product redesign could be required due to chemical interactions between the alternative and the product. PFAS are very inert and alternatives might have unwanted interactions with the
product
Industry association 62 consider that for chemcial resistance, there is no alternative
Silicone may be substituted in some applications, but in applications that are overused in harsh environments, silicone lubricants deteriorate and 62 pcorondtaucctes vaonldatuilensloawfe-musoele. cular siloxanes, resulting in poor electrical
62
27,28,29,30
-Alternatives tend to have a flash point, and the lower the viscosity, the lower the flash point. Therefore, when designated as a hazardous material, more caution is required in storage, transportation, and handling than before. In addition, the use of these products requires explosionproof equipment, which entails a huge investment. - Ester-based products deteriorate due to hydrolysis and require caution.
Manufacture Manufacture Manufacture
Manufacture
Liquid burn-in testing Reliability testing
Dielectric test media
Galden PFPE Hermetic Seal Testing36,
3MTM FluorinertTM Electronic Liquids40
Perfluoroperhydrofluorene (307-08-4) PFPEs
Perfluoroalkyl methyl ether (375-03-1)
Methyl perfluoroalkyl ether (163702-07-6) Methyl perfluoroisoalkyl ether (163702-08-7)
Thermal shock testing
Galden PFPE Hermetic Seal Testing36,
3MTM FluorinertTM Electronic Liquids40
Perfluoroisohexane (355-04-4) Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcycloalkane (355-27-3)
Perfluoromethyldecalin (306-92-3) Perfluoroperhydrofluorene (307-08-4) Perfluorotetradecahydrophenanthrene (306-91-2)
PFPEs
Yes1
Unconfirmed
Uncertain
N/A
Yes1
Unconfirmed
Uncertain
N/A
Uncertain, see
reference [32] for
a list of
compounds and
Yes1
Confirmed31
their respective dielectric
Use would need high dielectric breakdown strength, be non-flammable1
strengths that may
meet
manufacturing
requirements
Yes1
Confirmed33
Uncertain
Use would need to be non-reactive1
1 1
PFAS is used because it is a low-dielectric and nonflammable material at the same time, but no alternative has been found.
1,31,32
1,32,33
PFAS is used because it is a material with low dielectric constant and stability at the same time, but no alternative to it has been found.
Category of use Manufacture
Function performed Gross and fine leak testing
Product(s)
Galden PFPE Hermetic Seal Testing36,
3MTM FluorinertTM Electronic Liquids40
Manufacture
Electrical environmental testing
3MTM FluorinertTM Electronic Liquids
40
PFAS identified PFPEs
Perfluorinated fluids
Contained in the product?
Actively used?
Alternatives available?
Yes1
Confirmed33
Uncertain
Yes1
Confirmed31
Uncertain
Alternatives Identified Use would need to be non-reactive1 Use would need to be non-reactive1
Manufacture
Use for testing in general
Perfluoromethylcycloalkane (355-02-2)
Perfluoro-1,2-dimethylcycloalkane (306-98-9)
Yes1
Unconfirmed
Uncertain
N/A
Perfluoroperhydrofluoranthene (662-28-2)
Manufacture
Manufacture Manufacture
Heat transfer fluids
Heat transfer fluids Heat transfer fluids
General heat transfer
Total Immersion cooling Evaporative Cooling
1H-Perfluoroalkane (354-33-6) 1,1,2,2,-Tetrafluoroethane (359-35-3) 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-ethene, oxidized, polymd., reduced,
decaroxylated (161075-02-1)
Methyl perfluoroalkyl ether (375-03-1) Ethyl perfluoroisoalkyl ether (297730-93-9)
Aliphatic perfluoroalkane (76-19-7) 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (138495-42-8)
Various proprietary blends on the market that claim to be
Yes1
Confirmed35
Yes
environmentally friendly; based on "ester chemistry" and others, and
generally said to be biodegradable and often halogen free36,37,38,39
Yes1
Confirmed
Yes
Yes1
Confirmed
Yes
See row for "General Heat Transfer" See row for "General Heat Transfer"
Manufacture
Heat transfer fluids
Brine Cooling
1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (138495-42-8) Methyl perfluoroalkyl ether (163702-07-6)
Methylperfluoroisoalkyl ether (163702-08-7) Ethyl perfluoroalkyl ether (163702-05-4)
Perfluoroindane (374-80-1)
Yes1
Confirmed
Yes
See row for "General Heat Transfer"
Manufacture
Heat transfer fluids
Direct contact cooling
Aliphatic perfluoroalkane (335-57-9) 1H-perfluoroalkane (354-33-6)
1,1,2,2,-tetrafluoroethane (359-35-3) Perfluoroisohexane (355-04-4)
Perfluoro-2-methyl-3-ethylpentane (354-97-2)
Perfluoro-2,4-dimethyl-3-ethylpentane (50285-18-2) Perfluoromethylcycloalkane (1805-22-7) (355-02-2)
Perfluoro-1,2-dimethylcycloalkane (306-98-9) Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcycloalkane (335-27-3)
Perfluorodecalin (306-94-5) Perfluoromethyldecalin (306-92-3) Perfluoroperhydrofluorene (307-08-4) Perfluorotetradecahydrophenanthrene (306-91-2) Perfluoroperhydrofluoranthene (662-28-2) Perfluoroperhydrobenzyltetralin (116265-66-8)
Yes1
Confirmed
Yes
See row for "General Heat Transfer"
Additional Comments
References 1,31,33,34
Comments on ChemSec-Electronics-Guide
There is no alternative that is non-flammable, insulating, low-viscosity, inert, low erosive and moderately volatile.
It is required to be non-flammable and must contain a certain amount of
fluorine. Since alternative products are not nonflammable, using them
1,31
requires investment in explosion-proof equipment.
Solvents for thermostatic chambers that measure the temperature characteristics of electronic components with ultra-high accuracy must be
non-flammable, insulating, low-viscosity, inert, low-erosive, and highly
1
thermally conductive, and have moderate volatility, and there is no
alternative.
It must have high volume resistivity, low viscosity, and prevent moisture content from increasing during use. In addition, it must be nonflammable unless it is used in an explosion-proof facility, which requires a huge 1,35,36,37,38,39 iEnsvteesrt-mbaesnet.d products require attention because of degradation due to hydrolysis.
See row for "General Heat
Transfer" See row for "General Heat Transfer"
See row for "General Heat Transfer" See row for "General Heat Transfer" See row for "General Heat Transfer"
See row for "General Heat
Transfer"
See row for "General Heat Transfer"
See row for "General Heat
Transfer"
Manufacture
Cleaning
3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,-octafluoro-1-Hexene (159148-08-0)
3,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-1-Pentene (2375-68-0) 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-Pentane (85720-
78-1)
1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5,-decafluoro-Pentane (138495-42-8)
Solvent Systems and Cleaning
Methyl perfluoroalkyl ether (22410-44-2), (375-03-1), (163702-076)
Yes1
Products
Methyl perfluoroisoalkyl ether (22052-84-2)
Methyl perfluoroisobutyl ether (163702-08-7)
Ethyl perfluoroalkyl ether (163702-05-4)
Ethyl perfluoroisobutyl ether (163702-06-5)
1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-ethane (406-78-0)
Aliphatic non-branched perfluoroalkanes (76-19-7)
Manufacture
Carrier fluid/lubricant deposition
Carrier fluid/lubricant deposition
Perfluoroisohexane (355-04-4) 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-Pentane (138495-42-8)
Yes1
Manufacture
Etching
Piezoelectric ceramic filters
PFOS (1763-23-1)
No1
Manufacture
Pulsed plasma nano-coating
Smartphones and Tablets
PFOA (335-67-1)
Yes1,46
Manufacture
Haptics enabling coating
Smartphones and Tablets
-
Yes
Confirmed40
Yes
Confirmed42
Yes
Unconfirmed44
Yes
Confirmed47
Yes
Unconfirmed
Uncertain
IPA, Other alcohol cleaners without PFAS added Products listed on Green-Screen website41
When cleaning, low surface tension is required, as well as nonflammability unless the equipment is explosion-proof, which entails a huge investment.
1,40,41
Honeywell fluorinated (but not perfluorinated) Solstice solvents43
1,42,43
It is required to be nonflammable and must contain a certain amount of fluorine. Since the alternatives are not non-flammable, using them requires explosion-proof equipment, which entails a huge investment.
Fluoroboric acid45
Epoxy, urethane, acrylic, silicone, paralyne47 PFAS-free nanocoatings48
For touchscreens, which needs haptics enabling coatings, good alternatives are currently lacking.
Industry association 62 note that PFOS and PFOA are banned. Unlikely to be still in use
1,44,45, 62
Industry association 62 note that PFOS and PFOA are banned. Unlikely to be still in use
There are other types of coatings used in the industry for
the same purpose: evaporative curing, moisture curing and heat curing. Examples of non-fluorinated radiation
curable coatings are silica-based coatings and polymethylmethacrylate powder.
1,46,47,48, 62
Category of use Manufacture
Function performed Air/moisture resistance
Product(s)
General electronic equipment packaging
Semiconductors
Photolithography
Semiconductors
Photoresist matrix, changes solubility when exposed to light
Photoresist
PFAS identified PCTFE (9002-83-9)
PFOA (335-67-1) PFOS (1763-23-1) Perfluoropolymers
PFOA (335-67-1) PFOS (1763-23-1) PFHxS (alternative to PFOS/PFOA) [28,29,30]
Contained in the product?
Actively used?
Yes1
Confirmed49
Alternatives available?
Yes
Alternatives Identified
Other moisture and vapor-barrier packaging, such as mylar and a mixture of aluminium foil and various non-fluorine-containing polymers50
Additional Comments
Yes Unconfirmed 51 Potentially hydrocarbon-based grepahsoetos,litMhooglyrbadpehnyu) m52 disulfide, graphite (for
PFOA and PFOS have been largely phased out
References 1,49,50
51, 52
Comments on ChemSec-Electronics-Guide
Since aluminum foil does not allow the user to see the parts in the package, fluorine film can only be used where moisture-proofing and transparency are required at the same time.
PFOS and PFOA have already been eliminated in Japan, and PFOS and PFOA are not used as identified PFAS (we agree with Additional Comments), but they are used as PFAS. Also, 'Contained in the product? (Column E)' is Yes. As with antireflection films, the resist used in the front-end process does not remain in the final semiconductor product. In other applications, current semiconductor technology uses photoresist in many applications to provide properties by leaving a variety of products in the final semiconductor product. In this case, the PFAS remains in the final semiconductor product. The authorities should review the materials of "Semiconductor PFAS Consortium https://www.semiconductors.org/pfas/" in detail. Hydrocarbon greases, molybdenum disulfide, and graphite (for photolithography) already use carbon films as mask materials, but lithography is essential for patterning mask materials, and resist materials are still needed.
KrF (248nm) (active ingredient not disclosed) 53
DOWTM photo-resists (non-PFOS)
Yes
Confirmed
Yes
composed of solvents, acrylic, other polymer resins, cross-linking
agents, stabilizers and/or surfactants
Alternatives should containt fluorine
PFOS has been largely phased out
53,54,55,56
KrF resists and DOWTM photo-resists (non-PFOS), which are listed as alternative resists, are of limited use and do not cover all resists with different exposure wavelengths. If non-PFOS is used, PFOS is excluded under the Stockholm Convention, and the resists currently used in Japan are already PFOS-free but not PFAS-free. Photoresist requires several actions such as photoacid generation as well as surface activity, and the authorities only mention some of them, so the difficulty of replacing nonPFAS is clearly underestimated. The authorities should review the materials of "Semiconductor PFAS Consortium https://www.semiconductors.org/pfas/" in detail. It is stated that the replacement of photo-oxidants will take more than 25 years.
Semiconductors
Increase the photosensitivity of the photoresist
Photoresist (photosensitizer)
PFOA (335-67-1) PFOS (1763-23-1)
Yes
Unconfirmed
No
N/A
Semiconductors
Generate strong acids by light irradiation
Photoresist (Photo-acid generator, PAG)
PFOA (335-67-1) PFOS (1763-23-1) Shorter-chain PFAS (PFBS) functionalized fluoroethanesulfonates
Aromatic PAGs identified in patents ( WO2009091704)
None currently
Heteroaromatic PAGs identifed in patents (WO2009091702,
(patents
US20110183259).Triphenylsulfoniumbenzo[b]thiophene-2-sulfonic
Yes
Confirmed
filed/fluorine free
acid, 4(or 7)-nitro-,ion(1-) (TPS TBNO) is identified
alternatives have
Glodde et al. have proposed a Fluorine free PAG in their 2010
been proposed)
publication.
Functionally need to generate strong acids
Semiconductors
Controlling the diffusion of the acid to unexposed region
Photoresist (Quencher)
Semiconductors
Provide low reflectivity
Antireflective coating
PFOA (335-67-1) PFOS (1763-23-1)
PFOA (335-67-1) PFOS (1763-23-1) PFHxS (alternative to PFOS/PFOA, 355-46-4)
Yes
Unconfirmed
Uncertain
N/A
It is noted the FP coating is not
present in the final chip and is spun out and goes to waste/destroyed
in the etching
process
Confirmed
-AZ Aquatar 8 (Fluoroalkyl acid ester, homopolymer,
hydrolyzed, 67829000004-6092P)[2]
-DOWTM anti-reflect (non-PFOS), composed of solvents, acrylic, other
Yes
polymer resins, cross-linking agents, stabilizers and/or surfactants
-FP with a short fluoroalkyl side chain less than C4
-Alternatives should containt fluorine; functionally require low refractive index
Semiconductors
Facilitate the control of the development process
Developer
PFOA (335-67-1) PFOS (1763-23-1) Shorter-chain PFAS used as alternatives to PFOA/PFOS
Yes Confirmed Uncertain Patent US20080299487 fdoer sucnrfilbueodri.nated surfactant, vaguely
Semiconductors
Rinsing the photoresist to remove the developer
Rinsing Solution
Unknown
Uncertain
Unconfirmed
Uncertain
Semiconductors
Etching
PFOA (335-67-1)
No (at least there shouldn't be, its
PFOS (1763-23-1)
reported that
Confirmed
Yes
3MTM FluorinertTM Electronic Liquids
short-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonates are alternatives in use today
PFAS is captured in the waste/it's a
closed system)
Semiconductors
Etching Wetting agent
Semiconductors
Etching Reduce the reflection of the etching solution
Semiconductors
Etching agent in dry etching
See General etching See General etching See General etching
See General etching See General etching See General etching
See General etching
See General etching
See General etching
See General etching
See General etching
See General etching
See General etching
See General etching
See General etching
Use would require low surface tension
Amyl acetate (628-63-7)Anisole (100-66-3) n-Butyl acetate (123-86-4)Ethyl lactate (97-64-3) Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (108-65-6)
Methyl-3-methoxypropionate (3852-09-3) non PFOS-based surfactants are in use for etching application for
etching agents with ceramic filters (WSC 2011),
Use would require low surface tension Use would require low refractive index
Use would require Strong acids
PFOS has been largely phased out PFOS has been largely phased out PFOS has been largely phased out
PFOS has been largely phased out
57,58
From "SIA PFAS Consortium"page38
https://www.semiconductors.org/pfas/ The authorities need to consider all the material at this URL. "non-PFAS PAGs (CN5 and thiophene sulphonate), which has highlighted the difficulty of developing formulations that meet all performance criteria simultaneously, as shown in Table 4-4. As such, non-PFAS PAGs are for a narrow range of use applications only, as no known non-PFAS PAG/photoacid exhibits the same level of performance for all criteria. While a candidate chemistry might show good acid strength, it will have lower photospeed because of lower acid diffusivity, and at the same time the acid anion might be transparent for a single wavelength only. PFAS PAGs, on the other hand, present simultaneously good to excellent performance for all listed performance criteria with the notable exception of environmental persistence."
19,59
The materials listed in column D has already been published in the Stockholm Convention. Column G is substituted for "present" and column H is substituted for "FP with a short fluoroalkyl side chain less than C4." This indicates that there is no substitute for all applications of semiconductors. The applications are diverse, and it is very dangerous to understand that there is one substitute for all alternatives. The authorities themselves describe FPs whose substitutions eventually have short fluoroalkyl side chains less than C4.
Contained in the product? is Yes,but like an antireflection film, no developer remains in the final semiconductor. But, the opinion that "photoresist used in semiconductor manufacturing does not remain in the product" is decades old, and current semiconductor technology uses photoresist in many applications to provide properties by leaving a variety of products in the final product. In this case, the PFAS remains in the final
57 stheamt itchoenPduFcAtSorrpermodauincst.inInthseomfineaal pspelmiciactoionndsu,cittosrhporuolddubcet. eAmutphhoaristiiezesd should review the materials of the Semiconductor PFAS Consortium https://www.semiconductors.org/pfas/ in detail.
57
It seems that the description of equipment coolant is urged from row C,
but since PFOS and PFOA are neither etchant nor coolant, it is strange in
a double sense. The authorities do not understand the dry etching
process of semiconductors.
60
The authorities should review the materials of "Semiconductor PFAS
Consortium https://www.semiconductors.org/pfas/" in detail.
See row for "General etching"
See row for "General etching"
The main dry etch is PFC, and those indicated by "PFAS identified" are See row for not used. "Alternatives Identified" are also completely wrong.
"General etching"
Category of use
Function performed
Product(s)
PFAS identified
Contained in the product?
Actively used?
Alternatives available?
Alternatives Identified
Additional Comments
Semiconductors Etch Cleaning of Silicon Wafers
General etching
PFOA (335-67-1)
PFOS (1763-23-1) PFBS (375-73-5) PFNA (375-95-1) PFHxA(307-24-4)
Patent EP 3 588 535 A1 details several surfactants including PFAS and
No
Unconfirmed (patented) 1
Uncertain
non-fluorosurfactants which may be alternatives1
Use would require Strong acids 35
Semiconductors Semiconductors
Remove cured epoxy resins/Cleaning of integrated circuit
modules
Remove dielectric film build up Cleaning vapour deposition chamber
Semiconductors Semiconductors Semiconductors
Non-stick coating composition on carrier wafer
working fluid
polymeric PFAS used in inert moulds, pipes, elastomers
Wafer thinning
Vacuum pumps Technical equipment in contact with process chemical or reactive plasma
Unknown
Unknown PFOA (335-67-1), PFOS (1763-23-1) likely if used, but
unconfirmed Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) fluoropolymers
Polymeric PFAS
Semiconductors
Bonding ply composition
Multilayer circuit board
PFOA (335-67-1), PFOS (1763-23-1) likely if used, but unconfirmed
Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain
Unconfirmed
Unconfirmed Unconfirmed (patented) 1 Unconfirmed Unconfirmed
Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain
N/A Use would require reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation1
Use would require low surface tension1 Use would require alternative be stable, non-reactive1 Use would require alternative be stable, non-reactive1
Uncertain
Unconfirmed (patented) 1
Uncertain
Use would require low dielectric constant, low dissipation factor1
Semiconductors
Vapor Phase Soldering
Galden LS and HS grades (LS/HS)
36
PFPEs
Yes
Confirmed
Uncertain
References 1, 61
Comments on ChemSec-Electronics-Guide
Perfluoroalkyl acids such as PFOA and PFOS (which are already substances subject to the Stockholm Convention) are not used for "etch cleaning of silicon wafer". This usage information for PFOA and PFOS is incorrect. Therefore, the description of line H is completely wrong. It can be guessed from the document of the authority that the description is about photo-oxidizer, but it seems that the answer is not about wafer etching but about photoresist. In addition, the description of the patent is found on the whole, but for this technology to be established as a substitute, many tests and quality assurance are required for mass production. In the end, there are many patents that are not used because the test and quality assurance cannot be satisfied and cannot be applied to mass production. By listing the patent number, authorities that provide alternative cases underestimate the difficulty of substitution. Authorities should review the Semiconductor PFAS Consortium https://www.semiconductors.org/pfas/ document in detail.
1
PFOA and PFOS subject to the Stockholm Convention are described in
1
Wafer thinning, but the meaning of this description is not understood.
1
1
PFOA and PFOS subject to the Stockholm Convention are described, but
the meaning of this description is not understood.
1
"Authorities should review the Semiconductor PFAS Consortium
https://www.semiconductors.org/pfas/ document in detail.
Alternative materials that do not affect the substrate by soldering with
high temperature reflow need to be developed.
Authorities should review the Semiconductor PFAS Consortium
33
https://www.semiconductors.org/pfas/ document in detail.
Alternatives listed in PFAS Annex E and reasons for non-replace
Note: This sheet was originally provided as Annex 2 to our previous input, "The unfeasibility of "possible subs
EEE", in 13 June 2023. We attach it here again for your convenience.
Application
PFAS
a) Sealing
fluoroelastomers
b) Wire insulation
PTFE, PFA, ETFE, FEP, FEPM, PFPE
c) Immersion cooling Heat transfer fluid
d) liquid crystal displays (LCD)
Hydrofluoroethers Fluorinated amines
-CF3 group
reasons for non-replacement
nput, "The unfeasibility of "possible substitutes" in the dossier in the actual e.
Non-PFAS alternatives
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
silicone rubbers Silicone materials Polyetheretherketone(PEEK) mica EPDM Polyvinyl chloride ceramic based polymer
Mineral oils synthetic oils natural oils
Hydrocarbon fluids
Cyano (-CN) group
Reasons why PFAS cannot be replaced by non-PFAS In sealing material applications (e.g. packing), heat resistance, solvent resistance and low gas permeability are important, and EPDM and silicone rubber provide low or medium durability but not enough property, so they cannot replace all applications and fluorinated materials must be used.
In cable insulation materials, mechanical, thermal, volume resistance and electrical properties are important, and the alternatives listed as alternatives have low resistance to any of these properties and cannot replace them in applications where they need to be met simultaneously, and fluorinated materials need to be used. For example, silicone has low resistance to mechanical properties (susceptible to tearing/abrasion), PEEK has low electrical properties, mica is hard and not suitable as a cable, etc.
Compared to fluorinated materials (liquids), the viscosities of all alternative oils are considerably higher and it is difficult to circulate them and maintain a constant temperature. In addition, the flash point is considerably lower, and significant equipment modifications are required to ensure safety.
For liquid crystal molecules, low viscosity, high resistance, low dielectric anisotropy and low birefringence are important, and replacing a liquid crystal molecule with a CF3 group with a cyano group will result in a deterioration in all of these properties and cause adverse effects such as slow response speed and unsmooth display, and high voltage drive and high energy consumption.