Epoxy molding compound is the most important encapsulation material and supports the development of the integrated circuit industry. More than 90% of integrated circuits use epoxy molding compound as the packaging material. The vigorous development of the packaging market is expected to drive the demand for epoxy molding compounds. It is estimated that the demand epoxy molding compounds in China will be at least 200,000 tons in 2025.
Epoxy molding compound drives the IC industry
Epoxy molding compound, also known as EMC, is combined with epoxy resin, phenolic curing agent, curing accelerator, filler and mold release agent. It can package small electronic components, such as transistors, integrated circuits, capacitors, resistors, etc., with the advantages of low cost, convenient operation, and high production efficiency.
Silica powder is the main material of epoxy molding compound
Silica powder accounts for about 60%-90% in epoxy molding compound. The improvement of the performance of epoxy molding compound must be realized by improving the performance of silica powder, so there are higher requirements for the particle size, purity and sphericity of silica powder.
The particle size distribution of microsilica powder directly affects EMC viscosity, flash, fluidity, content in epoxy molding compound and impact on device gold wire during packaging. Higher quality silica powder can reduce epoxy molding compound flashing, and has better fluidity and higher electrical insulation.
The foreign-funded manufacturers are in a monopoly position
①DO, SMX, TO, DIP and other packaging technologies
Chinese manufacturers dominate, but the overall level of domestic and foreign capital in the field of TO is equal. The market is mainly dominated by plastic packaging compound manufacturers such as JIANGSU HHCK ADVANCED MATERIALS, Hengsuo HYSOL HUAWEI, and Chang Chun Petrochemical, etc.
Also read: DIP Package – Dual In-line Package for Integrated Circuit in PCB
②SOD, SOT, SOP, QFP and other packaging technologies
It still dominated by foreign-funded manufacturers, the market share of Chinese-funded manufacturers has gradually increased. Most of the product performance has reached the level of similar foreign-funded products. Thus, there is still a certain room for substitution. The market share is mainly dominated by Sumitomo Bakelite, HKTDC Sourcing, HHCK ADVANCED MATERIALS, etc.
③QFN, BGA and other packaging technologies
Foreign-funded manufacturers are basically in a monopoly position, most of the products of domestic-funded manufacturers are still in the stage of import assessment. Some small number of Chinese-funded manufacturers have achieved small batch production, and there is a large room for substitution.
Also read: BGA – Something you need to know about its types and soldering methods
④SiP, MUF, FOWLP and other packaging technologies
Foreign-funded manufacturers are in a monopoly position, while Chinese-funded manufacturers are still in the stage of product development or customer assessment, and the product categories are relatively single.
The market share is mainly occupied by leading foreign manufacturers such as Sumitomo Bakelite, Astey, and Kyocera, while the layout of domestic manufacturers is relatively limited.
China’s demand for epoxy molding compounds will be achieved 200,000 tons
According to Yole data, the packaging market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.9% from 2022 to 2028, reaching 136 billion USD in 2028, of which advanced packaging is 78.6 billion USD, accounting for 57.79%, and traditional packaging is 57.5 billion USD.
Based on statistics, the demand for plastic packaging semiconductor components in the world currently accounts for more than 98% of the total market. It is estimated that by 2025, the demand for epoxy molding compounds in China’s electronic packaging field will reach 210,000-320,000 tons.
At present, China’s epoxy molding compound production capacity accounts for about 35% of the global production capacity. It is now the world’s largest production base of epoxy molding materials and packaging fillers.
Epoxy molding compound is a type of resin used to encase and protect electronic components, such as integrated circuits, by providing a durable, insulating, and heat-resistant barrier that shields the delicate parts from physical damage, moisture, and environmental factors, ensuring the reliability and longevity of the electronic device.
To make epoxy molding, you start by mixing epoxy resin with a hardener to create a liquid compound, then pour or inject this mixture into a mold containing the electronic components to be encapsulated; once the epoxy cures and hardens, it forms a solid protective shell around the components, which is then removed from the mold, leaving a durable, insulated, and heat-resistant casing that ensures the components are securely protected from environmental damage and mechanical stress.
In semiconductors, epoxy is used as a protective material that encases electronic components to shield them from physical damage, moisture, and environmental factors; it serves as an insulating and bonding agent, helping to secure and protect delicate circuits and connections within IC packages, ensuring their reliability and longevity in various electronic devices.
The heat capacity of an epoxy molding compound refers to its ability to absorb and retain heat, which generally varies depending on the specific formulation, but it typically has a moderate heat capacity that helps in managing and dissipating heat generated by electronic components; this property is crucial for maintaining the thermal stability of the ICs it encases, preventing overheating and ensuring reliable performance of electronic devices.
Epoxy molding is typically done at temperatures ranging from 150°C to 180°C (300°F to 350°F), depending on the specific epoxy formulation used; this heating process ensures that the epoxy resin flows properly into the mold, encapsulating the electronic components effectively, and then cures to form a solid, protective shell that shields the components from environmental damage and ensures their reliable operation.
The temperature limit for epoxy typically ranges from about 120°C to 150°C (250°F to 300°F) for continuous use, though some high-performance epoxy formulations can withstand higher temperatures, up to around 200°C (390°F), without losing their structural integrity; exceeding these limits can lead to degradation, reduced effectiveness, and potential failure of the epoxy's protective and insulating properties in electronic applications.
Last updated on August 30th, 2024 at 08:11 am