In recent years, the push towards safer and more sustainable materials has intensified. One critical area of focus is the use of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) in various industries. This blog explores what SVHCs are, their adverse effects, and the development of SVHC-free encapsulants, particularly in semiconductor applications.
What are Substances of Very High Concern?
According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) are hazardous to human life and the environment. Substances with the following hazards properties may be identified as SVHCs:
Substances meeting the criteria for classification as carcinogenic (the ability to cause cancer), mutagenic (the ability to induce genetic mutations), or reprotoxic (harmful effects on fertility and unborn children) CMR category 1A or 1B in accordance with the classification, packaging, and labeling Regulation.
Substances which are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) according to REACH criteria.
Substances, on a case-by-case basis, that cause an equivalent level of concern as CMR or PBT/vPvB substances.
Based on the criteria a substance can be identified as being a SVHC due to their potential to pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Such a substance can only be marketed for specific uses if an authorization has been granted. Such an authorization will include compulsory measures to mitigate the risks.
What are the adverse effects associated with the use of SVHCs?
The SVHC list is composed of a wide variety of substances, including, but not limited to, phthalates, heavy metals, brominated compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These substances have adverse effects and have been found to be toxic to reproduction, bioaccumulative, and have endocrine-disrupting properties.
Phthalates, for example, are established as endocrine-disrupting chemicals detrimental to the reproductive, neurological, and developmental systems of humans from multiple exposure pathways.
| Category | Health Concerns |
| Endocrine systems | Weight (overweight and obesity) and height Type II diabetes and insulin resistance Thyroid function and increased risk of thyroid cancer Higher systolic blood pressure Anogenital distancePrecocious puberty Males: genital development, semen quality Females: pregnancy outcome (pregnancy loss and preterm birth, low birth weight), reproductive hormones (including lueinizing hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin, earlier menopause) |
| Others | Respiratory system: allergy and asthma Nervous system: delayed neurodevelopment, social impairment |
In the semiconductor industry, a common SVHC used is lead. According to the World Health Organization, “lead exposure is estimated to account for 21.7 million years lost to disability and death (disability-adjusted life years, or DALYs) worldwide due to long-term effects on health, including 30% of the global burden of idiopathic intellectual disability, 4.6% of the global burden of cardiovascular disease and 3% of the global burden of chronic kidney diseases.”
What are the sanctions imposed or directed by ECHA?
When a substance is added to the candidate list, it lays immediate legal accountability on EU manufacturers, importers, distributors, and downstream users that operate in or distribute to EU member states. However, it must be noted that regulations apply if the material is present in products in quantities greater than 0.1% by weight. When this criteria is met manufacturers and importers of products are required to notify their customers of the presence of any SVHC in their products and provide instructions on safe use of the product. On the other hand, using SVHCs in your products is not banned entirely, but an authorization must be granted before the substance can be used in any product.
Where are SVHCs commonly used?
SVHCs find their applications in different industries. Some common uses include plasticizer, flame retardant, solvents, pigments and dyes, corrosion inhibitor and surfactants.
| Use | Common Products |
| Plasticizer | PVC pipes, cables, automotive parts, flexible packaging films |
| Flame Retardants | Electronics (circuit boards), textiles, construction materials (insulation) |
| Solvents | Paints, adhesives, cleaning agents, chemical manufacturing |
| Pigments and Dyes | Textiles, paints, inks, cosmetics |
| Corrosion Inhibitors | Coatings for metal structures, pipelines, automotive components |
| Surfactants | Detergents, personal care products (shampoos, soaps), industrial cleaners |
Many of these chemical products and constituents are used by the semiconductor industry, and it is difficult to ensure the health of workers owing to widespread use of these materials that are also declared as trade secret ingredients and lack hazard information. The semiconductor industry is expected to continue to thrive but damage to the health of workers and the environment should be prevented. Therefore, the use of SVHC-free material is essential.
Is it possible to have SVHC-free materials for semiconductor applications?
Yes, it is possible to have SVHC-free materials for semiconductor applications. Companies are increasingly pushing through with alternative and greener solutions in order to secure a sustainable market in the future. CAPLINQ has established itself as a leader in providing advanced materials for the electronics and semiconductor industries, leveraging its deep expertise and strong partnerships. By consistently staying ahead of regulatory changes, adopting innovative solutions and providing REACH testing and consulting services, CAPLINQ ensures that its clients can meet stringent environmental and safety standards without compromising on performance.
CAPLINQ, as a channel market partner of Henkel, offers products that comply with REACH and SVHC regulations. With LOCTITE ECCOBOND 7010C DAM & FIL at the forefront leading the development towards safer solutions. This hybrid encapsulant is specifically designed for stress sensitive electronic components which require SVHC free and CMR free materials. Shown below are the declared ingredients according to CLP (EC) No:1271/2008 for both DAM and FIL encapsulants:
| Component/ CAS No. | EC No. | REACH Reg. No. |
| Methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride/11070-44-3 | 234-290-7 | 01-2119488054-36 |
| 3,4-Epoxy cyclohexyl methyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexyl carboxylate/ 2386-87-0 | 219-207-4 | 01-2119846133-44 |
| reaction product: bisphenol-A-(epichlorhydrin); epoxy resin (numberaverage molecular weight≤700)/ 25068-38-6 | – | 01-2119456619-26 |
| Butadiene, acrylonitrile polymer, carboxyterminated, polymer with bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin/ 68610-41-3 | – | – |
Typically used in the defense and aerospace markets, automotive applications, power electronics and any stress sensitive field. Loctite Eccobond 7010C DAM and FIL are are 80% silica filled products with 120um filler size that offer High Tg and low CTE. Successful applications include wirebond and component protection on multilayered PCB boards applications such as On–Off switch of generic energy flow in airplanes.
Moreover, here are some key benefits of using LOCTITE ECCOBOND 7010C DAM and FIL:
- High Operating Temperatures: Designed to withstand constant service temperatures of 150 °C, with peak temperatures up to 180°C.
- Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: The compound has a low CTE, which minimizes stress on components during temperature changes.
- High Purity: With low ionic content, it ensures high reliability for sensitive applications.
- High Glass Transition Temperature: This encapsulant is 80% silica filled with 120um filler size that offer high Tg making the material remain stable in a wide range of temperature.
- Toughened Polymer Backbone: This feature provides enhanced durability and reliability including resistance to thermal shock, reducing the risk of micro-cracking.
- Low Outgassing: Meets NASA outgassing test (ASTM E595-15)
The shift towards SVHC-free encapsulants is crucial for developing safer and more sustainable electronic components.
