Abstract: A permanent curable photosensitive liquid dielectric polymer composition is disclosed for making copper printed circuit boards having at least one photosensitive dielectric polymer layer containing vias and circuitry thereon wherein the polymer layer has enhanced copper to dielectric adhesion. The dielectric composition preferably comprises an acrylated epoxy and a metal adhesion effective amount of amorphous silica. Printed circuit boards made using the photodefinable dielectric polymer and a method for making the printed circuit boards are also disclosed. A twice performed permanganate etching process for texturing the dielectric surface is also preferably used to further enhance the copper to dielectric adhesion.

Abstract: A direct metallization process is disclosed wherein plastic substrates may be electrolytically plated without the need for any prior electroless plating. The process uses a specially formulated post-activator composition at an elevated temperature to treat the activated substrate comprising either an alkaline solution containing an effective amount of metal ions which undergo a disproportionation reaction or an alkaline solution containing a metal ion such as Cu.sup.+2.

Abstract: A specially controlled electrolytic process for regenerating for reuse solutions such as the post activator solution used in the direct metallization process for making printed circuit boards is disclosed whereby the contaminant tin level of the operating solution is controlled at desired levels.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of printed circuit boards is provided comprising conditioning the board, activating with a catalytic metal, post-activating, stabilizing and etching the copper surfaces before the desired circuit is formed on the board. This process eliminates the need for a flash coating of copper in the through holes before the use of protective coatings such as imaging resists and soldermasks.