Microelectronics

Intelligent Fluid: Sustainable solutions for cleaning semiconductors

August 20, 2025. How can the microelectronics industry reduce its environmental footprint without compromising on precision and efficiency? What sustainable alternatives are there to replace toxic cleaning solutions? Effective cleaning in the microelectronics industry does not have to come at the expense of health, safety or the environment.

The fluids are fully compatible with existing cleaning systems and can be seamlessly integrated into current production processes. Photo: Intelligent Fluid

The challenge: cleaning processes in microelectronics

The microelectronics industry plays a crucial role in today’s world and will achieve a global turnover of around 500 billion euros in 2023. However, this success comes at a price: a significant impact on the environment and health.

Semiconductor cleaning processes are essential for microchip production, which involves up to 500 complicated manufacturing steps – many of them on the nanometer scale. Traditionally, chemical solvents such as acetone, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are used for cleaning tasks such as photoresist removal. While these chemicals provide satisfactory cleaning results, their harmful effects on workers’ health and the environment cannot be overlooked.

Are sustainable alternatives meeting industry standards?

The assumption that aggressive solvent-based cleaning solutions are essential for the required cleaning precision is now outdated. The emergence of intelligent fluids, a cutting-edge cleaning technology, is challenging this norm by offering an environmentally friendly, solvent-free alternative that matches and often outperforms conventional solvents.

The solution: cleaning with intelligent fluids®

What makes intelligent fluids® so special?

The innovative power of intelligent fluids lies in their physical cleaning mechanism. Unlike conventional solvents that chemically dissolve contaminants, these next-generation liquids use micelle structures in microemulsions to gently lift and remove organic contaminants.

Main benefits include:

Water-based formulation: Unlike solvent-based solutions, smart fluids are environmentally friendly and more sustainable.
Reduced energy consumption: They work at significantly lower temperatures, further reducing CO2 emissions.
Material-friendly cleaning: Physically removes soiling without damaging sensitive surfaces.
Longer service life: The liquids retain their cleaning power over a longer period of time, reducing waste.

The fluids are fully compatible with existing cleaning systems and can be seamlessly integrated into current production processes.

Award-winning technology

For its innovative approach, intelligent fluids® GmbH was presented with the prestigious FiT2clean Award at the parts2clean trade fair in Stuttgart in 2023. The award recognized the product’s outstanding ability to efficiently and sustainably remove flux residues from high-performance electronics. This breakthrough technology has found traction in industries ranging from semiconductors to heavy equipment maintenance.

With its environmentally friendly and scalable applications, intelligent fluids is an example of how small innovations can make big changes in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about sustainable cleaning of semiconductors

1. Which industries can benefit from intelligent fluids®?
Although this versatile technology was developed for cleaning semiconductors, it is also highly effective in industries such as heavy engineering, oil and gas, and electronics manufacturing.

2. Are intelligent fluids safe for humans?
Yes! The low labeling of the products ensures a safer working environment for employees.

3. What are the expected energy savings?
Since intelligent fluids can clean at significantly lower temperatures, noticeable energy savings can be achieved compared to conventional solvents. Up to 40% is possible (depending on the process).

4. Can this technology replace conventional solvents?
Yes, smart fluids are a solvent-free alternative for many industrial applications that can match or exceed the performance of conventional cleaning methods.

5. To what extent are smart fluids environmentally friendly?
Their water-based composition and reduced waste generation make them environmentally friendly, while their biodegradability ensures minimal long-term environmental impact.

Why smart fluids® are the future of cleaning

With the growing demand for sustainable production methods across all industries, the benefits of smart fluids are undeniable. Unlike toxic solvents, these fluids value both performance and environmental responsibility.

Are you ready to revolutionize your cleaning processes? With intelligent fluids, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, protect your employees and exceed regulatory standards without sacrificing efficiency.

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