Context
-
According to a report by Moody’s Analytics, Ukraine supplies rare gases used to produce semiconductor fab lasers, and Russia exports rare metals like palladium to make semiconductors. This combination is required to build chipsets that power a range of devices, from automobiles to smartphones.
-
As Russia’s invasion into Ukraine escalates, the country is getting hit by Western sanctions. This could disrupt the country’s exports, leaving the semiconductor firms fewer options to source raw materials to make chip sets.
What is Palladium?
- Palladium is often used as an alternative to gold in making various devices as the metal is highly malleable and resistant to corrosion.
- The rare metal is considered to be softer than gold, but is still much harder and durable than the yellow metal.
- This quality of palladium gives it more protection against an impact and a greater resistance to denting.
Credit: TH - So, automobile makers, electronics manufacturers and biomedical device producers prefer the silvery-white metal.
- Russia and South Africa are the two largest producers of palladium.
- While platinum and rhodium could be substituted for palladium, Russia is also a leading producer of the other platinum group metals.
- Palladium is used in nearly all electronic devices, and the metal is a key to make chipsets and circuit boards.
- It is used to make multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), which are important to make smartphone screens, stereo systems, and power circuit breakers.
Source: TH
Visit Abhiyan PEDIA (One of the Most Followed / Recommended) for UPSC Revisions: Click Here
IAS Abhiyan is now on Telegram: Click on the Below link to Join our Channels to stay Updated
IAS Abhiyan Official: Click Here to Join
For UPSC Mains Value Edition (Facts, Quotes, Best Practices, Case Studies): Click Here to Join