'GCL Series', a cooling material for semiconductor process developed and produced domestically by Chago Engineering

A Korean startup has introduced an eco-friendly coolant for semiconductor processes that does not use perfluorinated compounds (PFAS). The product takes into account the global PFAS environmental regulation trend.

Chago Engineering announced on the 12th that it has launched the GCL Series, a locally developed and produced cooling material for semiconductor processes. The company will first launch GCL-70, which has a minimum temperature of -70℃ to maintain fluidity, and plans to start selling GCL-10 (-18℃) in January next year. CGL-50 (-48℃) and CGL-90 (-90℃) will be added to the product lineup later.

Cooling materials are substances used in 'chillers', which are cooling systems for semiconductor devices. The GCL series was developed as a replacement for 3M's FC-3283 and Solvay's HT-270, which were the existing market leaders, the company said.

Most semiconductor coolants have been using PFAS. This is because PFAS has high thermal stability and excellent heat transfer properties. However, they are increasingly regulated as “persistent chemicals” that do not naturally degrade and accumulate. Semiconductor manufacturers are also being forced to make the transition by phasing in PFAS-free products.

Chago Engineering emphasized that the GCL series has a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and is food grade. Food grade means no harmful substances or toxicity to humans. PFAS can accumulate in the body when workers on the production line inhale some of the volatilized substances, but GCL does not, making it highly safe.

Currently, several Chinese companies have entered the domestic semiconductor cooling material market and are targeting Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix after 3M announced its withdrawal from the business in 2025. In addition to its eco-friendliness, Chago Engineering plans to conduct sales activities by touting its strengths of supplying mass production in Korea at a price 30% lower than Chinese companies.

“GCL is expected to contribute to the stabilization of the cooling material supply chain as it is domestically produced,” said Kim Hyung-gyu, CEO of Chago Engineering. 

Article source: Jinhyung Park, Reporter jin@etnews.com