Abstract: A method for applying a metal on a substrate comprises: a) applying a coating by treatment in a plasma, comprising a compound selected from alkanes up to 10 carbon atoms, and unsaturated monomers, and b1) producing polymers on the surface of the substrate, the polymers comprising carboxylic groups and adsorbed ions of a second metal, reducing the ions to the second metal, or alternatively b2) producing polymers on the surface, bringing the surface of the substrate in contact with a dispersion of colloidal metal particles of at least one second metal, and c) depositing the first metal on the second metal. Advantages include that materials sensitive to, for instance, low pH or solvents can be coated. Substrates including glass, SiO2 with very few or no abstractable hydrogen atoms as well as polymer materials containing halogen atoms can be coated with good adhesion.

Abstract: A method for applying a metal on a substrate comprises: a) applying a coating by treatment in a plasma, comprising a compound selected from alkanes up to 10 carbon atoms, and unsaturated monomers, and b1) producing polymers on the surface of said substrate, said polymers comprising carboxylic groups and adsorbed ions of a second metal, reducing said ions to the second metal, or alternatively b2) producing polymers on the surface, bringing the surface of said substrate in contact with a dispersion of colloidal metal particles of at least one second metal, and c) depositing said first metal on said second metal. Advantages include that materials sensitive to for instance low pH or solvents can be coated. Substrates including glass, SiO2 with very few of no abstractable hydrogen atoms as well as polymer materials containing halogen atoms can be coated with good adhesion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for applying a first metal on paper, which method comprises the steps a) producing polymers on the surface of said paper, said polymers comprising carboxylic groups and adsorbed ions of at least one second metal, said ions being adsorbed at a pH above 7, b) reducing said ions to the second metal and c) depositing said first metal on the reduced ions of said second metal. The invention further comprises objects manufactured according to the method. Advantages of the present invention include improved adhesion of the metal coating, possibility to coat many difficult materials. The process is suitable for large-scale and continuous production and it will reduce the waste of metal. Circuits manufactured according to the invention display improved signal integrity. Also there is the possibility to manufacture circuits which are built up sequentially with several layers of conductors in distinct patterns. It is also possible to manufacture of circuits with a very small line width.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for applying a first metal on a substrate, which method comprises the steps a) producing polymers on the surface of said substrate, said polymers comprising carboxylic groups and adsorbed ions of at least one second metal, said ions being adsorbed at a pH above 7, b) reducing said ions to the second metal and c) depositing said first metal on the reduced ions of said second metal. The invention further comprises objects manufactured according to the method. Advantages of the present invention include improved adhesion of the metal coating, possibility to coat many difficult materials. The process is suitable for large-scale and continuous production and it will reduce the waste of metal. Circuits manufactured according to the invention display improved signal integrity. Also there is the possibility to manufacture circuits which are built up sequentially with several layers of conductors in distinct patterns.

Abstract: In using a photoinitiator and irradiation with UV-light suitable monomers can be selectively inoculated on the surface of a non conducting substrate in a distinct pattern. Metal ions are thereafter absorbed by these monomers and are reduced. To this pattern further conducting materials, e.g. metals, can thereafter be added in a conventional way. The method according to the invention comprises a fully additive method to produce a circuit board with high resolution and the production of functional components directly on a non conducting substrate. (FIG.