Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a conducting film includes depositing a base layer of a conducting polymer on a substrate, the polymer forming only a weak bond with the substrate, depositing a top layer of a conducting material on the base layer, applying adhesive tape to the top layer, and peeling the tape off of the substrate, removing the top layer along with the tape.

Abstract: A method for autocatalytic plating of nanoparticles on a carbon nanomaterial, the method including: providing a nanomaterial in a solution including an oxidizing agent, the solution being maintained within a first temperature range and stirring the solution for a first predetermined time period; heating the solution to reach a second temperature range, higher than the first temperature range, and stirring the solution for a second predetermined time period, shorter than the first time period, while maintaining the solution within the second temperature range; filtering and rinsing the nanomaterial; dispersing the nanomaterial in an aqueous solution including a sensitizing agent; immersing the nanomaterial in a mixture including seed particles adhering to the nanomaterial; collecting the nanomaterial; plating the nanomaterial by immersing in a plating solution including an aqueous metal source and a first aqueous reducing agent such that a metallic layer is grown on the nanomaterial from the seed particles.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal layer on a surface of an insulating plastic, includes attaching metal particles in a selected area of the surface of the insulating plastic, irradiating the selected area with a laser such that the selected area of the insulating plastic is fused to be mixed with the metal particles, and performing chemical plating to the selected area to form a metal layer in the selected area.

Abstract: A catalyst precursor resin composition includes an organic polymer resin; a fluorinated-organic complex of silver ion; a monomer having multifunctional ethylene-unsaturated bonds; a photoinitiator; and an organic solvent. The metallic pattern is formed by forming catalyst pattern on a base using the catalyst precursor resin composition reducing the formed catalyst pattern, and electroless plating the reduced catalyst pattern. In the case of forming metallic pattern using the catalyst precursor resin composition, a compatibility of catalyst is good enough not to make precipitation, chemical resistance and adhesive force of the formed catalyst layer are good, catalyst loss is reduced during wet process such as development or plating process, depositing speed is improved, and thus a metallic pattern having good homogeneous and micro pattern property may be formed after electroless plating.

Abstract: A chemical bath deposition method based on a new CBD reactor is presented to prepare different thin films on continuous flexible substrates in roll-to-roll processes. In particular, they are useful to deposit CdS or ZnS buffer layers in manufacture of thin film solar cells. This method deposits thin films onto vertically travelling continuous flexible workpieces delivered by a roll-to-roll system. The thin films are deposited with continuously spraying the reaction solutions from their freshly mixed styles to gradually aged forms until the designed thickness is obtained. The substrates and the solutions are heated to a reaction temperature. During the deposition processes, the front surfaces of the flexible substrates are totally covered with the sprayed solutions but the substrate backsides are remained dry. The reaction ambience inside the reactor can be isolated from the outside atmosphere. The apparatus is designed to generate a minimum amount of waste solutions for chemical treatments.

Abstract: A chemical bath deposition apparatus is presented to prepare different thin films on continuous flexible substrates in roll-to-roll processes. In particular, they are useful to deposit CdS or ZnS buffer layers in manufacture of thin film solar cells. This apparatus deposits thin films onto vertically travelling continuous flexible workpieces delivered by a roll-to-roll system. The thin films are deposited with continuously spraying the reaction solutions from their freshly mixed styles to gradually aged forms until the designed thickness is obtained. The substrates and the solutions are heated to a reaction temperature. During the deposition processes, the front surfaces of the flexible substrates are totally covered with the sprayed solutions but the substrate backsides are remained dry. The reaction ambience inside the reactor can be isolated from the outside atmosphere. The apparatus is designed to generate a minimum amount of waste solutions for chemical treatments.

Abstract: A metal covered polyimide composite comprising a tie-coat layer and a metal seed layer formed on a surface of a polyimide film by electroless plating or a drying method is provided. A copper layer or a copper alloy layer is formed thereon by electroplating. The copper plated layer or copper alloy plated layer includes three layers to one layer of the copper layer or copper alloy layer. The metal covered polyimide composite effectively prevents peeling in a non-adhesive flexible laminate (especially a two-layer flexible laminate), and more particularly, effectively inhibits peeling from the interface of a copper layer and tin plating. A method of producing the composite and apparatus for producing the composite are also provided.

Abstract: A device and a method for chemically or electrolytically treating work pieces (1) are proposed in an effort to avoid irregular contours of finest conductive structures, pads and lands as well as bridges (shorts) on the one side or breaks on printed circuit boards on the other side. The device comprises processing tanks (2) for the treating of work pieces and a conveyor system for the transport thereof. The conveyor system comprises at least one transport carriage (18), at least one holding element (14, 25) and at least one connection means (12, 13, 35) between the transport carriage(s) and the holding element(s). The processing tanks adjoined with a clean room zone (3). The work pieces are conveyed through the clean room zone using the conveyor system.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing an aluminum structure using a porous resin molded body having a three-dimensional network structure, with which it is possible to form an aluminum structure having a low oxide content in the surface of aluminum (i.e., having an oxide film with a small thickness), and in particular, it is possible to obtain an aluminum porous body that has a large area. The method includes a step of preparing an aluminum-coated resin molded body in which an aluminum layer is formed, directly or with another layer therebetween, on a surface of a resin molded body composed of urethane, and a step of decomposing the resin molded body by bringing the aluminum-coated resin molded body into contact with concentrated nitric acid with a concentration of 62% or more.

Abstract: Provided is a metal covered polyimide composite comprising a tie-coat layer and a metal seed layer formed on a surface of a polyimide film by electroless plating or a drying method, and a copper layer or a copper alloy layer formed thereon by electroplating, wherein the copper plated layer or copper alloy plated layer comprises three layers to one layer of the copper layer or copper alloy layer, and there is a concentrated portion of impurities at the boundary of the copper layer or copper alloy layer when the copper layer or copper alloy layer is three layers to two layers, and there is no concentrated portion of impurities when the copper layer or copper alloy layer is a single layer. Additionally provided are a method of producing the composite and a method of producing an electronic circuit board.

Abstract: An object is to provide a method for producing an aluminum structure using a porous resin body having a three-dimensional network structure, with which an aluminum structure having a low impurity content can be formed, and in particular, a porous aluminum body having a large area can be obtained. A method for producing an aluminum structure includes a conductivity-imparting step of applying a conductive coating material containing conductive carbon onto a surface of a resin body to impart electrical conductivity to the resin body; a plating step of plating a surface of the resin body, to which electrical conductivity has been imparted, with aluminum in a molten salt to form an aluminum layer; and a heat treatment step of conducting heat treatment to remove the resin body, wherein the conductive carbon is carbon black having an average particle diameter of 0.003 ?m or more and 0.05 ?m or less.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to an improved metallization process for making fuser members which avoids the extra steps of metal nanoparticle seeding or special substrate treatment. In embodiments, a metallized substrate, formed by dip-coating or spraying with a metal nanoparticle dispersion which is subsequently thermally annealed, is used for the complete fabrication of the fuser member.

Abstract: A process is provided for metallizing a surface of a substrate with electrolytically plated copper metallization, the process comprising electrolytically depositing copper over the electrically conductive polymer by immersing the substrate in an electrolytic composition and applying an external source of electrons, wherein the electrolytic composition comprises a source of copper ions and has a pH between about 0.5 and about 3.5. In another aspect, a process is provided for metallizing a surface of a dielectric substrate with electrolytically plated copper metallization, the process comprising immersing the substrate into a catalyst composition comprising a precursor for forming an electrically conductive polymer on the surface of the dielectric substrate and a source of Mn(II) ions in an amount sufficient to provide an initial concentration of Mn(II) ions of at least about 0.

Abstract: A method of preparing conductive ribs on a chassis includes steps as follows. A plastic case is provided with at least one elastic rib integrally formed thereon. Then, a conductive film is formed to overlay on both an inner surface of the plastic case and the surfaces of the elastic rib. A chassis with conductive ribs and a method of assembling an electric device including the same are also provided in the invention.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of an aluminum structure, including a conductive treatment process of forming an electrically conductive layer made of aluminum on a surface of a resin molded body and a plating process of plating the resin molded body subjected to the conductive treatment process with aluminum in a molten salt bath. Even with a porous resin molded body having a three-dimensional network structure, the method allows the surface of the porous resin molded body to be plated with aluminum, thus forming a high-purity aluminum structure having a uniform thick film. Porous aluminum having a large area is also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary electrophoretic coating method and an electroplated shell (800) manufactured thereby is provided. The electrophoretic coating method includes the following steps. A first step (Step S1) is to mold a base shell (500). The base shell includes a base body (50), a shell body (60), and a connecting body (70). The shell body and the connecting body are molded with the base body. The connecting body connects with the shell body. A second step (Step S2) is to pretreat the shell body and the connecting body. Thus, conducting films are formed on the shell body and connecting body. A third step (Step S3) is to electrophoretically coat the preliminarily treated base shell, so as to form electroplated layers on the shell body. A fourth step (Step S4) is to remove the connecting body so as to form/yield the electroplated shell.

Abstract: A novel activation/etch method is disclosed for conductive polymer substrates and conductive polymer composite substrates to achieve good adhesion to subsequently applied coatings. The method in a preferred case involves anodically polarizing conductive polymers/polymer composites in aqueous etching solutions.

Abstract: Method of making an electroplated interconnection wire of a composite of metal and carbon nanotubes is disclosed, including electroplating a substrate having a conductive baseline on a surface thereof in an electroplating bath containing a metal ion and carbon nanotubes, so that an electroplated interconnection wire of a composite of the metal and carbon nanotubes is formed on the conductive baseline. Alternatively, a method of the present invention includes preparing a dispersion of carbon nanotubes dispersed in an organic solvent, printing a baseline with the dispersion on a surface of a substrate, evaporating the organic solvent to obtain a conductive baseline, and electroplating the surface in an electroplating bath containing a metal ion, so that an electroplated interconnection wire of a composite of the metal and carbon nanotubes is formed on the conductive baseline.

Abstract: A composition and process for electroplating a conductive metal layer onto the surface of a non-conductive material is disclosed. The composition and process utilizes an obvious dispersion traditional carbon black particles and highly conductive carbon black particles. The mixture of carbon blacks provides optimum dispersion and electroplating properties.

Abstract: The quality of painted surfaces of polymeric articles is improved by depositing a coating of a metal such as zinc or zinc alloy on the surface of the article to be painted. For example, zinc is electrodeposited on a conductive surface of the article. The metal coated polymeric surface provides a good base for electrostatic deposition of either liquid or powder paint and the metal surface prevents the formation of defects in the painted surface during heating of the article to dry or cure the paint film.

Abstract: The quality of painted surfaces of polymer composites is improved by first forming an electroless metal coating on the molded surface of the composite and then electroplating a coating of zinc or zinc alloy on the metallized composite surface. The “galvanized” composite surface provides a good base for electrostatic deposition of either liquid or powder paint and the zinc surface prevents the formation of defects in the painted surface during heating of the composite to dry or cure the paint film.

Abstract: There is provided a method for fabricating electrical wirings capable of being manufactured with low cost and easily applied to large-scale substrates. A photosensitive ground resin film is formed on an insulating substrate by coating process. The ground resin film is subjected to exposure and development processes, by which a ground resin film patterned into a wiring pattern is obtained. Then, on the patterned ground resin film, a low-resistance metal film made of Cu is formed by electroless plating.

Abstract: A combined adhesion promotion method of a metal to a non-conductive substrate and directly metallizing the non-conductive substrate with the metal. The method involves texturing a non-conductive substrate with a cobalt etch followed by applying a sulfide to the textured non-conductive substrate to provide an electrically conductive surface on the non-conductive substrate. After the surface of the non-conductive substrate has been made electrically conductive, the surface of the non-conductive substrate can be directly metallized. The method reduces the number of process steps for direct metallization of a non-conductive substrate. Thus, the method is more efficient in contrast to conventional methods of metallizing a non-conductive substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the analysis of the performance and properties of electrochemical processes, and specifically, to electrolytic solutions and electrode processes. The invention discloses a device and a method for obtaining qualitative and quantitative information for the kinetics of the electrode reactions, the transport processes, the thermodynamic properties of the electrochemical processes taking place in the cell. When a deposition reaction takes place, the device provides also valuable information about the relationship between the current density and deposit properties including but not limited to the deposit color, luster, and other aspects of its appearance. The device disclosed herein typically is comprised of a multiplicity of cathodic or anodic regions where one or more electrochemical reactions take place simultaneously, but at a different rate.

Abstract: The present invention enables one to easily and immediately distinguish between grades, dimensions and manufacturers of cemented carbide by color coding. This invention further provides for a semi-permanent coloration of the carbide and this coloration does not interfere with the brazing process. When the process disclosed here is applied to carbide parts, the coloration can be used as a means to distinguish between grades of carbide or to classify visually indistiguishable dimensional changes. In addition, the coloration can provide a record of the manufacturing origin of each individual carbide part.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming a uniform and dense electroplating film with high adhesion strength on the surface of an article, yet irrespective of the surface material and the surface properties of the article. A means for a solution of the problem comprises: forming on the surface of the article, a resin coating made of a resin containing dispersed therein a powder of a first metal; then forming a second-metal substituted plating film on the surface of the resin coating by immersing the resin-coated article in a solution containing ions of a second metal having an ionization potential nobler than that of the first metal; and further forming an electroplating film of a third metal on the surface of the metal-substituted plating film.

Abstract: A process for the metallization of a plastic surface, whereby the following process steps are performed in sequence, one after another. The plastic surface is subjected to an etching treatment under mild etching conditions. Subsequently, the plastic surface is treated with a metal salt solution, containing at least one salt from the following group: cobalt salt, silver salt, tin salt, and lead salt. The plastic surface is treated with a sulfide solution. Finally, the plastic surface is metallized in a metallizing bath.

Abstract: A method for producing conductor coating on dielectric surface may be used in many areas of industry for preparation of dielectric surfaces for selective electroplating. Using this method, conductor coatings are obtained when dielectric items are etched in acidic solutions containing oxidising agents, then treated in trivalent bismuth compound solution and additionally treated in sulphide solution.

Abstract: A cover structure for an electronic device includes a plastic cover, an aluminum or aluminum alloy layer on the plastic cover, and an oxide layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy on the aluminum or aluminum alloy layer. A method of manufacturing the cover structure includes: (1) injection molding the plastic cover; (2) forming the aluminum or aluminum alloy layer on the plastic cover; and (3) anodizing the aluminum or aluminum alloy layer to form an oxide layer thereof. The method also can include a step of coloring the oxide layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The cover structure thus formed has a metallic appearance with decorative colors or patterns, and is resistant to corrosion. The cover structure is not only very aesthetically pleasing to users but also durable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of work pieces with a palladium colloid solution by bringing the work pieces into contact with the colloid solution, palladium being recovered after the use of the colloid solution. This is achieved by separating palladium colloid particles from the colloid liquid by means of a molecular filter. With this method it is easy to continuously and largely completely separate palladium from the spent processing solutions without investing large amounts of chemicals, energy and time. The spent processing solution may especially be worked up after separation of the part of the solution containing palladium such that palladium can be recovered completely and be reused for further processing.

Abstract: Provided is a method of plating a non-conductive product comprising the steps of: forming a coating film on a surface of the non-conductive product with a conductive paint having the following composition of solid ingredients: (a) a resin vehicle in 20 to 80 weight %, and (b) a conductive whisker in 80 to 20 weight %; and executing electroless plating on a surface of the coating film. Also provided are products produced by this method.

Abstract: A method of electroplating both sides of a dual-sided circuit board substrate having electrically connected, multi-trace circuit patterns formed on both sides of the substrate, without requiring formation and at least partial removal of electrically conductive tie bars, comprises steps of covering and electrically contacting a first one of the circuit patterns with a first layer of electrically conductive material, applying an electrical potential to the first layer of electrically conductive material to effect electroplating on the second one of the circuit patterns, removing the first layer of electrically conductive material, covering and electrically contacting the second one of the circuit patterns with a second layer of electrically conductive material, applying an electrical potential to the second layer of electrically conductive material to effect electroplating on the first one of the circuit patterns, and removing the second layer of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A method of applying a conductive carbon coating to a nonconductive surface, conductive carbon compositions for that purpose, and a printed wiring board having through holes or other nonconductive surfaces treated with such carbon compositions are disclosed. A conditioning agent, made (for example) by condensing a polyamide and epichlorohydrin, is applied to the nonconductive surface to form a conditioned surface. A liquid dispersion of electrically conductive carbon (for example, graphite) having a mean particle size no greater than about 50 microns is coated on the conditioned surface to form an electrically conductive carbon coating. The conductive carbon coating is then optionally fixed on the (formerly) nonconductive surface. Fixing may be accomplished, for example, by applying a fixing liquid such as a dilute aqueous acid to the carbon-coated surface. The coating is then dried.

Abstract: In a method wherein, before forming a thin film of, for example, metal on a supporting base in a vacuum, a vapor stream of patterning material for forming a pattern in the thin film is applied from nozzle holes, and the thin film is formed after this liquid has been adhered onto the supporting base, the patterning material is applied from the nozzle holes in such manner that it unifies on the supporting base. Thus, even when the pattern width is enlarged, a pattern can be formed in which the blurring at the pattern edges is small.

Abstract: A method of applying a conductive carbon coating to a non-conductive surface, conductive carbon compositions for that purpose, and a printed wiring board having through holes or other nonconductive surfaces treated with such carbon compositions are disclosed. A liquid dispersion of electrically conductive carbon (for example, graphite) having a mean particle size no greater than about 50 microns is coated on the non-conductive surface to form an electrically conductive carbon coating. The conductive carbon coating is then fixed on the (formerly) nonconductive surface. Fixing may be accomplished in a variety of different ways. For example, the fixing step can be carried out by applying a fixing liquid to the carbon-coated surface. One example of a suitable fixing liquid is a dilute aqueous acid. Fixing may also be carried out by removing the excess carbon dispersion with an air knife or other source of compressed air.

Abstract: A method of providing an electrically conductive polymer coating on a copper clad circuit board prior to electroplating is disclosed. The method teaches the application of certain organic solvents to a conductive polymer composition already applied to the board but before drying the conductive polymer composition to remove liquids therefrom to form a conductive polymer film.

Abstract: There is provided a method of fabricating a multi-layered printed wiring board, including the steps of (a) forming a multi-layered substrate with a hole which will make a blind via-hole, (b) plating the multi-layered substrate, (c) forming an internal layer circuit pattern and an external layer circuit pattern, (d) laying one multi-layered substrate on another, (e) forming a product of the step (d) with a through-hole, (f) covering surfaces of a product of the step (e) including an inner wall surface of the through-hole with an electrically conductive film, (g) forming a resist in an area other than the through-hole, (h) plating the inner wall surface of the through-hole, (i) removing the resist, and (j) removing the electrically conductive film formed on the surfaces of the product of the step (e).

Abstract: The invention relates to a conductive dispersions used for diverse purposes such a base for electroplating nonconductors. The dispersion are characterized by use of a stabilizing quantity of a stabilizer having repeating alylkene oxide groups and a hydrophilic--lipophilic balance in excess of 12. It has been found that the stabilizers utilized in the subject compositions does result in a significant loss of conductivity in coatings formed from the dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These formulations can be used to manufacture multichip modules on typical multichip module substrates, such as alumina, fiberglass epoxy, silicon and polyimide. The formulations and methods of the invention enable the formation of passive electronic circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors in multichip modules or printed wiring boards.

Abstract: A process for electroplating a metal clad substrate by coating the substrate with a coating of carbonaceous particles. The coating of particles is applied to the substrate from an aqueous dispersion and then the coating is saturated with an etchant for the metal cladding on the substrate to undercut the carbonaceous coating and facilitate its removal from areas where plating is undesired.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from photosensitive formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor that have been selectively exposed to UV light, laser light, or electron beams. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These formulations can be used to manufacture multichip modules on typical multichip module substrates, such as alumina, fiberglass epoxy, silicon and polyimide. The formulations and methods of the invention enable the formation of passive electronic circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors in multichip modules or printed wiring boards.

Abstract: A process for electroplating a surface comprising copper and an insulating material, comprising: applying specific carbon particles or a palladium compound to this surface, microetching the copper to remove the specific carbon particles or the palladium compound, and providing electroplating. The process is characterized by using an aqueous solution comprising 5 to 60 wt % of sulfuric acid, 3 to 35 wt % of hydrogen peroxide, 0.01 to 10 wt % of a phosphonic group-containing amine or a salt thereof, and, optionally, 0.1 to 10 wt % of an amine other than the phosphonic group-containing amine, as a microetching agent. This process can ensure highly reliable electroplating to inner walls of printing wiring board through-holes.

Abstract: The modification of carbon particles is proposed to achieve enhanced plating upon a non-conductive surface which has been previously treated with said modified carbon particles. The invention is particularly useful in plating through holes of printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A process for electroplating a metal clad substrate by coating the substrate with a coating of carbonaceous particles. The coating of particles is applied to the substrate from an aqueous dispersion and then the coating is saturated with an etchant for the metal cladding on the substrate to undercut the carbonaceous coating and facilitate its removal from areas where plating is undesired.

Abstract: A method of applying a conductive carbon coating to a non-conductive layer, conductive carbon compositions, and a printed wiring board having through holes or other surfaces treated with such carbon compositions are disclosed. A board or other substrate including at least first and second electrically conductive metal layers separated by a non-conductive layer is provided. The board has a recess extending through at least one of the metal layers into the non-conductive layer. The recess has a non-conductive surface which is desired to be made electrically conductive. The carbon in the dispersion has a mean particle size no greater than about 50 microns. The method is carried out by applying the carbon dispersion to a non-conductive surface of the recess to form a substantially continuous, electrically conductive carbon coating. Optionally, the coating is then fixed, leaving the carbon deposit as a substantially continuous, electrically conductive layer. Chemical and physical fixing steps are disclosed.

Abstract: The process for directly metallizing a circuit board having nonconductor surfaces, includes reacting the nonconductor surface with an alkaline permanganate solution to form manganese dioxide chemically adsorbed on the nonconductor surface; forming an aqueous solution of a weak acid and of pyrrole or a pyrrole derivative and soluble oligomers thereof; contacting the aqueous solution containing the pyrrole monomer and its oligomers with the nonconductor surface having the manganese dioxide adsorbed chemically thereon to deposit an adherent, electrically conducting, insoluble polymer product on the nonconductor surface; and directly electrodepositing metal on the nonconductor surface having the insoluble adherent polymer product formed thereon. The oligomers are advantageously formed in aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 200 g/l of the pyrrole monomer at a temperature between room temperature and the freezing point of the solution.

Abstract: A method of applying a conductive carbon coating to a non-conductive layer, conductive carbon compositions, and a printed wiring board having through holes or other surfaces treated with such carbon compositions are disclosed. A board or other substrate including at least first and second electrically conductive metal layers separated by a non-conductive layer is provided. The board has a recess extending through at least one of the metal layers into the non-conductive layer. The recess has a non-conductive surface which is desired to be made electrically conductive. The carbon in the dispersion has a mean particle size no greater than about 50 microns. The method is carried out by applying the carbon dispersion to a non-conductive surface of the recess to form a substantially continuous, electrically conductive carbon coating. Optionally, the coating is then fixed, leaving the carbon deposit as a substantially continuous, electrically conductive layer. Chemical and physical fixing steps are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprised of a tank for holding electrolytic solution, and a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis having a non-conductive cylindrical outer surface disposed within the tank, and a plurality of elongated, like anodes arranged about the outer surface of the drum. The anodes together form a generally continuous cylindrical surface spaced from, and generally conforming to, the outer surface of the drum. Each of the anodes has at least one end projecting through the tank. A plurality of power sources is provided together with connection means for connecting groups of one or more of the projecting ends of the anodes to each power source.

Abstract: A mask layer is formed on a conductive layer covering not only a central area assigned to integrated circuits but also a vacant peripheral area of a semiconductor wafer, and an electroplating system allows metallic miniature patterns to grow on the conductive layer over the vacant peripheral area as well as extremely small areas of the conductive layer over the central area so as to make current fluctuation negligible.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved process for electroplating a conductive metal layer to the surface of a nonconductive material comprising pretreating the material with a carbon black dispersion followed by a graphite dispersion before the electroplating step.