JKM Expands High-Purity Solvent Business to Strengthen Response to Semiconductor Material Supply Chain Instability Amid Middle East Crisis

원본보기 아이콘

JK Materials (JKM) announced on April 27 that it will actively pursue its high value-added solvent business in response to supply chain instability in semiconductor materials triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East. JKM is a subsidiary of Hanul Materials Science.

Recently, as the war surrounding Iran has tightened naphtha supply, the procurement of propylene-based raw materials has rapidly deteriorated. In response, the government banned hoarding of seven key naphtha-based basic feedstocks, including ethylene and propylene, from April 15, and initiated supply chain management. In this environment, disruptions have continued in the production of propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA), which are essential materials for semiconductor photo processes such as photoresist (PR).

JKM is positioning its high value-added solvent business, centered on PGME and PGMEA, as a new core growth axis in response to these changes. In particular, the company is in discussions with overseas material companies to supply ultra-high purity (5N, 99.999%) products that can meet the demands of advanced semiconductor miniaturization processes. These materials are essential raw materials used in the manufacture of photoresist for advanced processes such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography.

These solvents are not only used for photoresist, but also serve as key materials for a variety of process materials, including thinners, bottom anti-reflective coatings (BARC), and spin-on hard masks (SOH). Because they play a crucial role in removing organic films from wafer surfaces and improving coating uniformity, any supply disruption could affect overall semiconductor production.

JKM has established partnerships with 37 global advanced materials companies and created collaboration networks with major manufacturing and refining firms in Japan and China, thereby securing a raw material sourcing structure that does not rely on any particular region. The company explained that this enables relatively stable procurement even amid supply chain instability.

Additionally, JKM is formulating its material supply strategies in line with the production schedules of domestic semiconductor companies and plans to gradually expand its ability to supply solvents for related materials such as BARC and SOH, including those used in lithography processes.

A company representative stated, "If the supply of photo materials is disrupted at the raw material stage, it can impact the entire semiconductor value chain," adding, "Supply chain diversification will become an increasingly important competitive factor in the future." The representative continued, "Based on a supply structure with reduced dependence on specific countries, we aim to provide ultra-high purity solvents to contribute to process stability and the localization of semiconductor materials."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.