Technology focus:  Trelleborg versus semicon ‘stiction’

Trelleborg, Sweden – While elastomers are key to preventing leaks and maintaining vacuum integrity in semiconductor manufacturing, they can present issues around "stiction" – where seals stick to countersurfaces: disrupting production and increasing costs.

To solve this, Trelleborg has developed a proprietary surface treatment designed to reduce friction without compromising seal performance.

Seal-Glide is described as a nanoscale surface treatment that improves the friction performance of conventional coatings.

The treatment is “incredibly thin, typically less than 450 nanometres, meaning it won't alter the seal's core properties,” added a company release.

In tests, application to perfluorocarbon rubber (FFKM) materials reduced stiction by up to 80%, according to Trelleborg.

Potential benefits, it said, include reduced maintenance, lower downtime and enhanced efficiency due to smoother operations in both static and dynamic applications.