FIRST STATIC-DISSIPATIVE, HIGH-STRENGTH PLASTIC
08 January 2000 - Quadrant EPP

The new ESd material, which is available in stock shapes for machining, is ideal for making static-dissipative nests, sockets and contactors for testing semi-conductor devices, and other device-handling components.

"Most plastics are inherently very insulative, as shown by their high electrical resistivity, which typically is greater than 1013 W/sq," says Richard Campbell, Manager of Product Development at DSM. "Metals have resistivities below 102 W/sq. Between these extremes are conductive plastics, 105 W/sq and below, and those plastics which are both good insulators and, yet, can dissipate static. These materials are in the static dissipative range, 106 to 1012 W/sq."

"Fixtures used to capture semiconductor devices during final tests should be static-safe," Campbell says. "However, they also must have sufficient resistance to minimize the risk of 'leakage' (cross-talk). Semitron ESd 520HR has a surface resistivity of 1010 to 1012 W/sq, and is ideal for use in such applications. Semitron ESd 520HR is the first product that reliably meets all physical performance needs for test nests, sockets and contactors, combined with ESd performance. Also significant is the ability of Semitron ESd 520HR to retain its surface resistivity at electrical forces greater than 100 volts."

No other product combines all the performance characteristics of Semitron ESd 520HR. Other potential products experience dielectric breakdown when exposed to voltages greater than 100V, resulting in unreliable performance in use.

Semitron ESd 520HR also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, high compressive strength, good wear resistance and can be machined to very tight tolerances, all of which are important benefits for nests and sockets used in testing semiconductor devices. Semitron ESd 520HR retains its high strength and stiffness at temperatures up to 520°F.

Semitron ESd 520HR is the latest addition to DSM Engineering Plastic Products' unique family of plastic shapes for machining semiconductor manufacturing and testing equipment components. Other innovative materials for the semiconductor industry available from DSM Engineering Plastic Products are: Semitron ESd 225 (surface resistivity of <1010 W/sq and a heat deflection temperature of 225°F), Semitron ESd 410C (surface resistivity of 102 to 106 W/sq and a heat deflection temperature of 410°F), and Semitron ESd 500HR (surface resistivity of 1010 to 1012 W/sq and a continuous service temperature of 500°F).

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