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Changing the surface properties of the backside of a silicon wafer to repel oil and prevent particle binding

Choi et al. | Feb 14, 2025

Changing the surface properties of the backside of a silicon wafer to repel oil and prevent particle binding

Wafers, essential in microchip production, can develop issues like leveling problems and wafer slip due to the formation of silanol bonds on their backside, which attract silica particles and oil. Authors tested addressing this issue with a coating of [acetoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl]triethoxysilane (APTS) applied to the wafer’s backside, preventing particle binding and oil adherence.

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Converting SiO2 wafers to hydrophobic using chlorotrimethylsilane

Lee et al. | Aug 20, 2024

Converting SiO<sub>2</sub> wafers to hydrophobic using chlorotrimethylsilane

Semiconductors are the center of the fourth industrial revolution as they are key components for all electronics. Exposed wafers made of silicon (Si), which can easily oxidize, convert to silicon dioxide (SiO2). The surface of SiO2 wafers consists of many Si-OH bonds, allowing them to easily bond with water, resulting in a “wet” or hydrophilic condition. We sought to determine a way to modify the surface of SiO2 wafers to become hydrophobic to ensure safe wet cleaning.

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The Parent-Child Relationship During the College Planning Process

Vanden et al. | Sep 19, 2019

The Parent-Child Relationship During the College Planning Process

To explore the parent-child relationship during college planning, authors surveyed high school juniors from two private schools (boarding school vs. non-boarding parochial school). After coding, survey answers indicate students at boarding schools were found to have greater fear of parental control and disappointment, while students at non-boarding parochial schoolexpressed a greater need for parental assistance.

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Analysis of electrodialysis as a method of producing potable water

Shen et al. | May 03, 2024

Analysis of electrodialysis as a method of producing potable water

Here, seeking a way to convert the vast quantity of seawater to drinking water, the authors investigated the purification of seawater to drinking water through electrodialysis. Using total dissolved solids (TDS) as their measure, they found that electrodialysis was able to produce deionized water with TDS values under the acceptable range for consumable water.

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