Abstract: The invention includes processes for combined polymer surface treatment and metal deposition. Processes of the invention include forming an aqueous solution containing a metal activator, such as an oxidized species of silver, cobalt, ruthenium, cerium, iron, manganese, nickel, rhodium, or vanadium. The activator can be suitably oxidized to a higher oxidation state electrochemically. Exposing a part to be plated (such as an organic resin, e.g. a printed circuit board substrate) to the solution enables reactive hydroxyl species (e.g. hydroxyl radicals) to be generated and to texture the polymer surface. Such texturing facilitates good plated metal adhesion. As part of this contacting process sufficient time is allowed for both surface texturing to take place and for the oxidized metal activator to adsorb onto said part. The part is then contacted with a reducing agent capable of reducing the metal activator to a lower ionic form, or a lower oxidation state.

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: 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: A heterocyclic nitrogen and glycol containing solvent swell composition and method of using the composition. The solvent swell compositions may contain high flash point solvents and water. The solvent swell composition is used to condition resinous material for etching to form a porous textured surface on the resinous material. The porous texture permits the deposition of a metal on the resinous material such that a high integrity bond is formed between the textured resinous material and the deposited metal. Such a bond between the metal and the resinous material prevents de-lamination of the metal and resin bond. The heterocyclic nitrogen and glycol solvent swell composition also desmears resin material from substrates. The heterocyclic and glycol solvent swell compositions may be employed to treat resinous material used in the manufacture of printed wiring boards. Metal may be deposited on the textured resinous material by suitable plating methods.

Abstract: A lactone solvent swell composition and method of using the composition. The lactone swell composition is used to condition resinous material for etching to form a porous textured surface on the resinous material. The porous texture permits the deposition of a metal on the resinous material such that a high integrity bond is formed between the textured resinous material and the deposited metal. Such a bond between the metal and the resinous material prevents de-lamination of the metal and resin bond. The lactone solvent swell compositions also desmear resin material from substrates. The lactone solvent swell compositions may be employed to treat resinous material used in the manufacture of printed wiring boards. Metal may be deposited on the textured resinous material by electroless plating.

Abstract: A process for electroplating a nonconducting substrate comprising formation of a film of a conductive polymer on the surface of a nonconducting substrate and electrolytic deposition of metal thereover. The conductive film is formed by deposition of the conductive polymer onto said surface from an aqueous suspension of said polymer.

Abstract: A process for electroplating a nonconducting substrate comprising formation of a film of a conductive polymer on the surface of a nonconducting substrate and electrolytic deposition of metal thereover. The conductive film is formed by deposition of the conductive polymer onto said surface from an aqueous suspension of said polymer.