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

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

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

June 18, 2026
Renewable energy investment platform Chrysalis Renewables LP (Chrysalis) has acquired the Atlas V and Atlas VI solar projects in the US.
June 18, 2026
Oxford PV and Fraunhofer ISE have unveiled a module prototype that combines tandem perovskite-silicon and matrix shingle interconnection.
June 18, 2026
The Arizona Court of Appeals has vacated a decision that Arizona utilities can impose additional charges on residential solar customers.
Premium
June 18, 2026
In this interview with PV Tech Premium, Enervest CEO Ross Warby explains the demands of floating solar on a live water utility reservoir.
June 18, 2026
Developer Lightsource bp has reached financial close on the 171MWdc Glorit solar PV power plant, north of Auckland, New Zealand.
June 18, 2026
Australia's large-scale renewables pipeline has reached 32,277MW of probable generation capacity, according to the Clean Energy Regulator.

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026
Schaumburg, Illinois
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026