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[May 2005]
CERAM Plays Integral Role in European Development
CERAM, the internationally renowned centre for materials and technology based in Stoke-on-Trent, has re-enforced its position as a leading innovator within the European community through its significant involvement with the SOLSiC project.
The European SOLSiC project, funded by the EC Framework 5 GROWTH programme and headed up by the Commissariat a l’Energie Atomique (CEA), aims to develop and study new Silicon Carbide (SiC) material for use in semiconductor devices, for possible exploitation in higher power applications.
CERAM brings its extensive ceramics experience, knowledge and process skills to the project, with the aim of supplying high-purity SiC feedrods for use in single-crystal growth experiments.
The feedrods are prepared using a reaction-bonding process route (in collaboration with Tenmat Ltd), and display good electrical and thermal characteristics for use in the crystal growing experiments.
Feedrod supply will be ongoing for the duration of the project, with key development areas being improved purity, increased size, and SiC/SiC bonding.
Danny Csete, Materials Engineer of CERAM Process and Materials commented: “Silicon Carbide has a number of key characteristics which make it ideal for use in semi-conductor devices in extreme applications, including excellent high temperature strength and high thermal shock, chemical and wear resistance.
“Further study and development of SiC as part of the European SOLSiC project therefore has important implications for the industry as a whole, and is something that CERAM is certainly proud to be involved in.”
In particular, the successful outcome of this development work will help to deliver European independence in semiconductor production, in a range of more demanding applications presently not served by existing silicon based technology.
ENDS