Patent ID: 8721906
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: C04B,C23C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for preconditioning a surface of a graphite component to minimize particulation from the component during subsequent use as a part in a semiconductor fabrication unit, the method comprising the steps: providing the graphite component that is shaped to be subsequently integrally incorporated into the semiconductor fabrication unit; providing a plasma processing chamber having a plasma torch, wherein the plasma torch is constructed and arranged to generate a plasma discharge at a rate of discharge; placing the graphite component within the plasma processing chamber, wherein the plasma torch is directed at the graphite component; subjecting the graphite component to reactive atom plasma processing with the plasma discharge from the plasma torch, such that substantially all graphite particulates located on the surface of the graphite component are removed from the surface; and controlling the rate of discharge from the plasma torch through the use of a computer numerical control system, removing the graphite component from the plasma processing chamber; and providing the graphite component for subsequent use in the semiconductor fabrication unit.