DLyte Chemicals, a GPAINNOVA group specializing in the development and manufacture of electrolytes and surface finishing technologies, has successfully completed its participation in the NANOCRAFT R&D project, an initiative aimed at investigating new solutions for semiconductor processing using dry electropolishing technologies.

The project has explored the DryLyte Technology in one of the most demanding industrial fields: the planarization of semiconductor wafers, a critical stage in the manufacture of next-generation microchips.

Currently, this process relies primarily on abrasive techniques that require high water and chemical consumption, generate waste, and have limitations in meeting the industry’s growing miniaturization demands. In response, the NANOCRAFT program has enabled the investigation of an alternative based on ion exchange and the use of conductive solid media, eliminating the mechanical abrasion characteristic of traditional processes.

Next-generation solid electrolyte 

Within this initiative, DLyte Chemicals has focused its work on the design and development of a new generation of solid electrolytes capable of adapting DLyte technology to the specific needs of the semiconductor industry. The research has included the study of new chemical formulations, different types of resins, particle sizes, and rheological properties to optimize the process’s behavior at the nanoscale.

Furthermore, the project has enabled deeper integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to monitor and optimize the process in real time using virtual sensors, predictive models, and digital twins. The goal is to move towards more stable, repeatable, and efficient processes capable of anticipating potential deviations before they affect the final quality of the semiconductor.

Thanks to this research, DLyte Chemicals expands the potential of its technology into a new strategic sector, opening the door to future applications in the manufacture of highly integrated microchips.

Towards more sustainable production

One of NANOCRAFT’s main objectives has been to demonstrate the potential of dry electropolishing as an alternative to conventional chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) processes, widely used in semiconductor manufacturing.

The technology being investigated seeks to significantly reduce water consumption, minimize the use of harsh chemicals, and decrease waste generation, while aiming to obtain surfaces with a quality and uniformity compatible with the requirements of next-generation electronic devices.

The project, with file number MIE-010100-2024-39, has also contributed to strengthening the scientific and technological knowledge necessary to develop more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, in line with the challenges facing the European semiconductor industry.

Cross-cutting impact

With the completion of NANOCRAFT, DLyte Chemicals consolidates its commitment to applied innovation and continues to expand the reach of a technology that has already proven its effectiveness in sectors such as medical, aerospace, and the manufacture of high-precision components, and which now takes a further step towards one of the technological markets with the greatest international potential.

Through this initiative, the value chain of microelectronics and semiconductors (IVC/ME PERTE CHIP-MIE) of the General Directorate of Industrial Programs of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism of the Government of Spain has been leveraged.

About GPAINNOVA

Founded in 2013 in Barcelona, and with subsidiaries in Żory (Poland), Sunrise (Florida, USA), Monterrey (Mexico), Hong Kong, and Shenzhen (China), the GPAINNOVA group specializes in the finishing of metal surfaces with the DLyte and MURUA brands, and with companies such as DLyte Chemicals; aeronautics with GPASPACE; marine robotics with SEABOTS; power electronics with POWER INNOTECH; chemical products with Praqsa; and medical devices with GPAMEDICAL. It has more than 60 distributors, over 1,500 customers worldwide, and more than 2,000 machines installed. Between 2020 and 2024, GPAINNOVA was recognized annually by the Financial Times as one of the fastest-growing companies in Europe.

For further information

GPAINNOVA
C/ Maracaibo, 1, naus 2-6, 08030 Barcelona
Telephone: (+34) 931 256 536
info@gpainnova.com
www.gpainnova.com
www.dlyte.com