Malvern Particle Characterization Supports Cost Control in Solar Cell Manufacture


Malvern, UK: Worldwide demand for photovoltaic (PV) solar cells is fuelling the emergence of a strong manufacturing sector across Europe and Asia. In support, the Sysmex FPIA-3000 Flow Particle Image Analyzer from Malvern Instruments is being used to aid cost control and waste reduction by providing the particle size and shape data necessary for effective recycling of the high value slurries used in cutting silicon wafers. Silicon carbide slurry represents a significant cost in wafer manufacture with one estimate placing the operating cost of running 10 wire saws at as high as $16M per year, making slurry recycling a highly desirable process

Multi-wire saw cutting processes that rely on abrasive silicon carbide slurries are used to cut silicon wafers for PV solar cells. These allow the slicing of thousands of wafers in a single run. However, over time, the slurry carried by the wire becomes contaminated, creating a build-up of waste silicon and worn abrasive particles and reducing the effectiveness of the wire-saw process.

By monitoring the size and shape of particles present, the Sysmex FPIA-3000 allows optimum control in slurry recycling. In addition, by characterizing the slurry itself, the particle size and particle shape distribution of the silicon carbide can be tuned to enable thinner cuts between each wafer, thereby wasting less raw material.

Capable of measuring tens of thousands of particles in just a few minutes, the Sysmex FPIA-3000 uses imaging flow cytometry to measure suspended particles passing through a sheath flow cell, providing robust data that can be used to optimize manufacturing processes. For further information, please visit www.malvern.com and also see blog entries on www.materials-talks.com

About Malvern Instruments

Malvern Instruments is a market leader in measuring performance controlling material properties. These include particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight, size and conformation, rheological properties and chemical identification. Malvern delivers the systems, support and expertise that ensure the analytical integrity and productivity needed to drive research, development and manufacturing.

Malvern's measurement solutions for scientists, technologists and engineers advance continually through customer collaboration. Complementary materials characterization systems deliver inter-related measurements that reflect the complexities of particulates and disperse systems, nanomaterials and macromolecules. Combining intelligently implemented technologies with in-depth industry applications knowledge and support, Malvern provides customers with the competitive advantage they demand.

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com

For press information, please contact:

Trish Appleton,

Kapler Communications

Knowledge Centre, Wyboston Lakes,

Great North Road,

Wyboston, Bedfordshire,
MK44 3BY, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1480 479280;

Fax: +44 (0)1480 470343

trish@kapleronline.com

USA contact:

Marisa Fraser,

Malvern Instruments Inc.

117 Flanders Road, Westborough,

MA 01581-1042 USA

Tel: +1 508 768 6400

Fax: +1 508 768 6403

marisa.fraser@malvern.com

Please send sales enquiries to:

Alison Vines, Malvern Instruments Ltd

Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road,

Malvern, Worcestershire

WR14 1XZ UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456;

Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789

salesinfo@malvern.com

All Topics