Broken Silicon Wafers: Applications and Recycling

Broken silicon wafers, often referred to as silicon scrap or "coin roll" wafers, are a valuable resource in the semiconductor and renewable energy industries. While they may no longer be suitable for prime-grade integrated circuit manufacturing, these wafers offer a cost-effective alternative for a variety of applications. At UniversityWafer.com, we supply partial cassettes and broken wafers to researchers and manufacturers worldwide.

Key Applications

• Research and Calibration: Broken wafers are ideal for destructive testing, equipment calibration, and microscopy targets. They allow students and researchers to practice handling techniques without the risk of damaging expensive prime silicon wafers.
• Solar Energy: Scrap silicon is a critical feedstock for the photovoltaic industry. Broken wafers can be recycled and melted down to produce new ingots for solar cells, or used directly in shingled solar panel designs where smaller surface areas are required.
• Art and Design: The unique iridescence and geometric patterns of silicon wafers make them popular for jewelry, mosaics, and technological art installations.

By purchasing broken silicon wafers, facilities can significantly reduce material costs while supporting sustainable silicon recycling practices.