KNJ Diversifies Semiconductor Materials Business Beyond SiC Into Silicon - thelec.net

KNJ is expanding its semiconductor materials business from silicon carbide (SiC) into large-diameter single-crystal silicon (Si), responding to increasing market demand for replacing polycrystalline s... Read original →

KNJ’s pivot from SiC to large-diameter single-crystal silicon is a direct response to particle-induced yield loss in EUV and 3nm nodes, where polycrystalline components are no longer viable. This shift pressures equipment makers like Tokyo Electron to redesign chamber materials and accelerates Hana Materials’ crystal growth R&D. Despite leveraging CVD expertise, KNJ faces steep technical hurdles in dislocation control for 600mm ingots—yield ramp could delay ROI. Geopolitically, the move aligns with South Korea’s push to reduce Japanese material dependence, yet tighter U.S.-ROK export controls on high-purity silicon may jeopardize overseas certifications. Within 18 months, only players integrating material purity, equipment compatibility, and process co-optimization will survive; if KNJ secures design-ins with TSMC (Taiwan, China) or Samsung, it could anchor a new East Asian materials node.