Dow Electronic Materials launches LED Technologies business

NEW YORK, USA: Dow Electronic Materials, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company announced the formation of a new LED Technologies business segment to capture current and future demand for light emitting diodes (LEDs) in the global solid state lighting (SSL) market.

“Dow is in a unique position to capitalize on this rapidly growing market because we offer the broadest technology today and we bring a deep knowledge of LED materials processing,” said Jim Fahey, global general manager for Dow Electronic Materials’ Growth Technologies business. “For more than 35 years, Dow has been an important player in the SSL market as a leading supplier of metalorganic CVD precursors, so we understand the technology needs. Additionally, our long history with semiconductor materials, processing and methodologies allows us to meet the exacting needs of semiconductor companies – many of which are Dow’s existing customers – as they migrate into the SSL market.”

In addition to the metalorganic CVD precursors, which are used to make the active light-emitting areas in LEDs, the new LED Technologies business will supply photoresists, related ancillaries for lithographic processing, and pads and slurries for CMP – all of which are used in the manufacture of LEDs.

“SSL – especially for general illumination – is in many ways in its infancy,” said Rick Hemond, global business director for LED Technologies. “The current market growth is largely driven by backlighting for displays, mobile devices and HDTVs, but wider adoption of LEDs into commercial and residential lighting is expected to expand market growth over the next decade and beyond.” Hemond added, “There are many opportunities for materials suppliers, and we look forward to expanding our portfolio and capabilities – in some cases by leveraging Dow’s core materials and competencies – to make further inroads in the SSL market.”