Henkel’s hot water debondable epoxy simplifies solar silicon wafer slicing

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Henkel has introduced ‘Loctite 3382’ in an effort to simplify silicon ingot bonding and protect against wafer breakages. Loctite 3382 provides improved bonding strength of the ingot in the sawing process and is de-bondable in hot water. This new bonding solution helps to avoid corrosion of the equipment and is free of caustic odor.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Loctite 3382 replaces traditional epoxies that require caustic acids for debonding.  This adhesive breaks down easily on exposure to hot water, eliminating corrosive debonding solutions and minimizing silicon waste that occurs during the wafer-cleaning process. 

Solution

Henkel’s new bonding solution is a water de-bondable epoxy adhesive providing bond strength to both silicon and the glass and metal mounting substrates used during the ingot sawing process. As this two-part epoxy is pink when cured, during visual inspections it is easy to distinguish from the silicon ingot and the metal and glass mounting substrates. Homogenous and stable, Loctite 3382 sets up in just 5 to 7 hours and is claimed to provide a consistent cutting layer that reduces edge damage and wafer breakage. This epoxy’s improved bond strength means the adhesive will not prematurely de-bond during the sawing process, protecting the ingot and the wafers from damage.

Applications

Silicon ingot bonding for wafer slicing.

Platform

Easy to dispense using meter-mix equipment, Loctite 3382 is packaged in cartridges, pails and drums.  This adhesive emits no caustic odor, will not corrode equipment, and is fully-compatible with current wafer cleaning solutions and processes.

Availability

August 2011 onwards.

Read Next

July 2, 2025
A new state-owned green bank, the Energy Security Corporation (ESC), has launched in New South Wales, Australia, with an initial funding allocation of AU$1 billion (US$640 million).
July 2, 2025
Asset management firm Capital Dynamics has secured €110 million (US$129.4 million) in financing for three solar PV projects in Spain.
July 2, 2025
The US Senate has narrowly passed – with a 51-50 vote and with vice-president JD Vance breaking the tie – the reconciliation bill yesterday (1 July) without the solar and wind excise tax.
Premium
July 2, 2025
ANALYSIS: China's leading PV manufacturers are locked in a new round of competition, aiming to outpace each other through record-breaking feats.
July 2, 2025
Investment manager Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has begun commercial operations at a 373MW solar PV plant in the UK.
July 2, 2025
Indigenous-led renewable energy company Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) has submitted plans for a hybrid wind and solar PV renewable energy project to the Australian government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK