Semiconductor Coating Composition for Formic Acid-Free Selective Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of formic acid as a pH adjuster in semiconductor device coatings is restricted due to its designation as a deleterious substance, necessitating a composition that can form a selective coating film on insulating layers without chemical substances like formic acid.

Innovation Solution

A composition containing a diallylamine-based polymer and a solvent mixture of organic solvents and water, specifically with propylene glycol monomethyl ether and water, is used to form a coating film on copper wiring layers, allowing selective removal with water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If formic acid is used as a pH adjuster to form a coating film on SiO2, then selective coating formation is achieved, but the use of formic acid is restricted due to its designation as a deleterious substance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective coating formationVSAvoiduse of deleterious substance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing formic acid with alternative pH adjusters (acetic acid, propionic acid, or sulfamic acid) while adjusting their concentrations to achieve the desired pH range. This substitution maintains the selective coating formation capability on SiO2 without using restricted deleterious substances, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs readily available, non-restricted chemical substances (acetic acid, propionic acid, sulfamic acid) that can be easily disposed of after use, replacing the restricted formic acid. These substitute chemicals are environmentally friendlier and not designated as deleterious substances, allowing industrialization while maintaining coating effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a resin layer is formed to prevent diffusion of copper into the interlayer insulating layer, then metal diffusion is prevented, but the resin layer must not be formed on the wiring and electrical connection must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetal diffusion preventionVSAvoidselective coating location
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves local quality by formulating a composition that selectively coats only the SiO2 insulating layer surface while excluding the copper wiring surfaces. The diallylamine-based polymer and pH adjuster create chemical selectivity based on surface properties, allowing the coating to form locally where needed (on SiO2) and not where it interferes with electrical connection (on copper wiring).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a specifically designed organic composition containing diallylamine-based polymer and pH adjuster as an intermediary that mediates between the copper wiring and SiO2 insulating layer. This intermediary coating selectively adheres to SiO2, preventing metal diffusion into the insulating layer while being removable from copper wiring surfaces to maintain electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables the industrial use of a formic acid-free composition for forming a coating film on insulating layers, ensuring electrical connection and preventing metal diffusion, while being environmentally compliant.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer containing a structural unit represented by the following formula (1a) or (1b)... wherein X is acetic acid, propionic acid, sulfamic acid, or hydrogen halide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS12087576B2Composition for forming coating film and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
Publication Date: 2024.09.10 NISSAN CHEM CORP
  • US12087576B2 patent drawing
  • US12087576B2 patent drawing
  • US12087576B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are: a composition for forming a coating film, the composition comprising (a) a polymer containing a structural unit represented by formula (1a) or (1b), and (b) a solvent including 51-99 mass % of water and 1-49 mass % of at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, methyl 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, and ethyl lactate; and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device using the same.