Abstract: An etchant for copper or copper alloys comprising 5-50 wt % of an alkanolamine, a copper ion source in the amount of 0.2-10 wt % as copper, a halide ion source in the amount of 0.005-10 wt % as halogen, 0.1-30 wt % of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, and the balance water, wherein the molar ratio of the alkanolamine to one mol of the aliphatic carboxylic acid is two or more. The etchant is free from problems such as instability of the liquid composition and unpleasant odor, has a high etching rate, exhibits only very slight corrosion even if a small amount of residue is left on the surface and is capable of producing a roughened surface when used for microetching.

Abstract: A microetching composition for copper or copper alloys comprising, (a) an oxidizing agent which can oxidize the copper or copper alloy, (b) a polymer compound which contains polyamine chains or a cationic group or both in the amount of 0.000001 to 1.0% by weight, and (c) water. The composition can produce surfaces of copper or copper alloy exhibiting excellent adhesion to resins such as prepregs and resists, and superior solderability. The composition can be adaptable to the manufacture of printed wiring boards with highly integrated fine line patterns.

Abstract: A microetching composition for copper or copper alloys comprising, (a) a cupric ion source, (b) an organic acid with an acid dissociation constant (pKa) of 5 or less, (c) a halide ion source, and (d) water. The composition can produce surfaces of copper or copper alloy exhibiting excellent adhesion to resins such as prepregs and resists and superior solderability. The composition can be very adaptable to the manufacture of printed wiring boards with highly integrated fine line patterns.

Abstract: A method for roughening surfaces of copper or copper alloy to provide an excellent adhesion of a coated or laminated layer thereon, comprising treating said surfaces with an amount and for a time effective to roughen them with an aqueous solution comprising an azole compound, a copper compound dissolvable in the solution, an organic or inorganic acid and a halogen ion.