Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 7, Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan, is advancing a new technology for PFAS-free pipe materials designed for ultrapure process applications in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The initiative, driven by the Urban Infrastructure & Environmental Products Co., responds to global trends toward stricter perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations and increasing demand for environmentally sustainable solutions. Having achieved significant progress, Sekisui Chemical plans to propose this technology to customers, targeting a market launch by fiscal 2026.

Ultrapure water manufacturing system used to conduct the demonstration test at Kurita Innovation Hub; the blue pipes are the pipes under demonstration

In the semiconductor and flat panel display industries, ultrapure water is critical, requiring pipe materials that minimize the release of inorganic and organic contaminants. Traditionally, these pipes use resins such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and fluorocarbon resins like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), alongside specially treated metal pipes. As semiconductor technology advances toward ultra-miniaturization, the need for low-elution materials has intensified. While PVDF and PTFE are not currently regulated in Japan, Europe and the United States are exploring broader PFAS restrictions, prompting innovation in alternative materials.

Sekisui Chemical has a history of addressing these needs, having introduced Eslon Clean Pipe, a hard PVC pipe for ultrapure water transport, in 1984. The company’s latest development is a special olefin resin pipe material designed to replace fluorocarbon resins. In November 2022, Sekisui Chemical partnered with Kurita Water Industries Ltd., also based in Tokyo, to test this material in an ultrapure water manufacturing system. The olefin resin reduces CO2 emissions during production by approximately 80% compared to fluorocarbon resin pipes, offering a more sustainable option.

The new material aligns with global efforts to phase out PFAS, which are persistent in the environment. While perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are already banned in many regions, Sekisui Chemical’s innovation anticipates future regulations. The company is also working on PFAS-free valves, gaskets, and other components for ultrapure applications to further reduce environmental impact.

Sekisui Chemical’s efforts complement industry-wide sustainability initiatives, such as Fujifilm’s recent development of a PFAS-free resist material for semiconductors. By offering a low-elution, low-emission alternative, Sekisui Chemical aims to meet the semiconductor industry’s evolving needs while supporting environmental goals. The company plans to expand this technology’s application across other sectors requiring ultrapure processes, ensuring broader access to sustainable materials.