CMP slurries and pads: Relationships

Every element and industry that CMP slurries and pads is linked to, and how. Each pair has its own card explaining the relationships between the two.

• Semiconductors: Chipmakers polish wafers flat after many layers using slurries and pads that are consumed as they work, so CMP consumables grow with wafer output and with the number of polishing steps that new chip designs add; supply is concentrated, with one firm holding over half of pads, and the abrasives tie the chain to China's rare earths. (researched)
• Rare earths: Rare earths is a raw material for CMP slurries and pads.