Abstract: A decorative, nonwoven laminate and a method of forming, including a first side of a first nonwoven affixed to one or both of a) a first side of a polymeric sheet or b) a second nonwoven, wherein the first nonwoven exhibits a basis weight of 15 g/m2 to 2500 g/m2 and the second nonwoven exhibits a basis weight of 15 g/m2 to 1200 g/m2; and a colorant deposited on a second side of the first nonwoven. A topical coating may or may not be applied to improve durability of the printed surface layer. The decorative nonwoven laminate may also amount to a single layer of the first nonwoven, which then includes a layer of colorant and a topical coating over the colorant and single nonwoven layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an artificial leather having a laminated structure and a process for producing such product. The artificial leather comprises a non-woven matt formed from bast fibres, more particularly fibres obtained from hemp plants. The fibres in the non-woven matt are impregnated with a polymer, such as a polyester or polyurethane. The artificial leather includes the non-woven matt as a discrete bottom layer in a laminated structure also comprising a discrete intermediate layer of a binder material and a discrete top layer of a polymer coating material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a tone bar woody material and a xylophone that are superior in acoustic characteristics and stable in quality. In the tone bar woody material of the present invention, at least a partial region of a surface layer of a wood material was impregnated with a resin composition, and the wood material comprises in the partial region, a plurality of pores each having an average diameter less than 1.2 times an average diameter of vessels in the wood material.

Abstract: A method for assembling colloidal particles onto a substrate surface through fluid transport. The method comprises placing a first fluid placed adjacent to the substrate surface, applying a colloidal dispersion on top of the first fluid layer and removal of the first fluid layer. The method is extremely versatile, and is especially useful in depositing colloidal materials in high aspect ratio channels and vias without the need for prior treatment of the surface.

Abstract: A method for coating a metal substrate with a white, off-white or gray colored autodeposited coating comprising water, polymeric resin, HF and pigment particles comprising a core of titanium dioxide, an intermediate zirconia and/or alumina layer, and an outer organic layer, optionally the particles are treated with an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A mold release treatment method of the present invention includes: the step of providing a mold releasing agent and a mold which has a porous alumina layer over its surface, the mold releasing agent containing a fluoric compound which has mold releasability and a solvent; the step of applying over the surface of the mold a solvent that is capable of dissolving the fluoric compound; and thereafter, the step of applying the mold releasing agent over the surface of the mold according to a spray coating method. According to the present invention, a mold release treatment can be performed over a surface of the mold which has the porous alumina layer over its surface, without causing uneven application.

Abstract: A mascara applicator brush is provided, including polymer bristles which are coated with a germicidal composition. The aforementioned composition is made from a mixture based on at least one large cation and at least one large anion, in which one or both develop germicidal properties.

Abstract: A filter for removing substances, including leukocytes and platelets by way of non-limiting example, from whole blood or from blood derivatives, the filter includes a casing containing a layered filter element, at least one layer of this latter being coated with polyurethane; this polyurethane has a number average molecular weight between 10,000 and 20,000 Dalton. A method for forming the layered filter element for a filter such as mentioned above, in which at least one layer of this filter element is impregnated with polyurethane by immersing it in a container of a mixture in which the polyurethane is present. This mixture includes a solution in which the polyurethane is dissolved in a polar solvent such as water.

Abstract: Methods and treatment compositions for imparting durable antimicrobial properties to carpet are provided. The method includes applying a composition comprising a first antimicrobial compound and a fluoropolymer to the carpet substrate. The carpet substrate may be steamed thereafter. The treatment composition may comprise a fluoropolymer, an antimicrobial compound selected from a group consisting of zinc pyrithione, a silver-containing antimicrobial compound and combinations thereof, and a foamer. Carpet products treated with the treatment composition or treated in accordance with the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating textile material to confer flame retardant properties, the method comprising the steps of impregnating the material with an aqueous solution of a treatment agent which is a poly(hydroxyorgano)phosphonium compound; drying the impregnated material; curing the dried impregnated material with ammonia to produce a cured, water-insoluble polymer which is mechanically fixed within the fibers of the material; oxidizing the cured polymer to convert trivalent phosphorus to pentavalent phosphorus; and washing and drying the material; wherein one or both of steps (d) and (e) result in the co-production of an aqueous effluent; and wherein the conditions are controlled such that the atomic ratio of N:P present on the material increases during step (c) by 0.8 or more.

Abstract: A coating composition is provided comprising a) an aqueous dispersion, having a pH of less than 7.5, of silica nanoparticles having average particle diameters of 40 nanometers or less, b) an alkoxysilane oligomer; c) a silane coupling agent, and d) optionally a metal ?-diketone complexing agent. The compositions may be used to prepare coated articles wherein the coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides hydrophilic and/or antireflection surface properties to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for coating a metal substrate with a white to off-white or gray colored autodeposited coating comprising water, polymeric resin, HF and pigment particles comprising a core of titanium dioxide, an intermediate zirconia and/or alumina layer, and an outer organic layer, optionally the particles are treated with an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyurethane coated glove includes steps of: coating a knitted glove with a solvent, wherein the solvent is prepared by a polyurethane resin and a component selected from the group consisting of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAC), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), wherein the component participates in synthesizing the polyurethane resin; treating the knitted glove with water bath; drying the knitted glove under 100˜110° C., for 50˜60 minutes; and recycling the component in the solvent from the water after treating with water bath by vacuum decompression.

Abstract: A process for forming room temperature water soluble polymer coatings on porous substrates by forming a solution of a room temperature water soluble polymer, one or more crosslinkers, a solvent for the room temperature water soluble polymer such as water and optionally one or more porogens, or functional agents, stirring the mixture until all the components are dissolved, adding the solution to a porous structure such as a non-woven fabric or a porous membrane and drying the solution on to the substrate as a coating before subjecting the coating to crosslinking. Alternatively, the coating may be partially crosslinked before drying the solution. Porous structures having a room temperature water soluble polymer coating and being capable of convective flow through the pores of the structure and diffusive flow through the coating can be formed.

Abstract: A textile having high fluorine adhesion rate, and excellent water- and oil-repellency can be obtained by a method of producing a treated textile, comprising steps of: (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a water- and oil-repellent agent which comprises at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer or a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the treatment liquid comprises a thermally gelling substance.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyurethane coated glove includes steps of: coating a knitted glove with a solvent, wherein the solvent is prepared by a polyurethane resin and a component selected from the group consisting of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAC), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), wherein the component participates in synthesizing the polyurethane resin; treating the knitted glove with water bath; drying the knitted glove under 100˜110° C., for 50˜60 minutes; and recycling the component in the solvent from the water after treating with water bath by vacuum decompression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for alkaline saponification of a polymer film, comprising: an alkaline-solution coating step of coating a polymer film with an alkaline solution; a temperature keeping step of keeping the polymer film coated with the alkaline solution at temperature equal to or higher than room temperature; a reaction terminating step of terminating the reaction by applying a diluting solvent or an acid solution to the polymer film kept at the temperature; and a washing step of washing away the alkaline solution from the polymer film on which the reaction has been terminated, wherein the reaction terminating step uses a bar coater having a flat-surface bar to apply the diluting solvent or acid solution to the polymer film and remove the alkaline solution from the polymer film.

Abstract: Excellent water repellency and Oil repellency are imparted to a textile by a method including (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a water- and oil-repellent agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent comprises at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains a cationic emulsifier and/or a salt.

Abstract: A direct vapor deposition (DVD) apparatus and method is taught, that provides a carrier gas flow entraining vapor atoms for the coating of regions on a substrate that are not in line-of-sight. The degree of non line-of-sight (NLOS) coating, hence thickness uniformity around the substrate is a sensitive function of the flow conditions. For a fixed background pressure in the region of deposition, an increase in the uniformity of the coating thickness is accomplished as the flow velocity is reduced. This improvement in uniformity is a result of an increase in the fraction of vapor atoms which deposit in NLOS positions on the substrate such as backside (21) of fiber (65) as indicated by vapor streamlines (51). Vapor impact width (VIW) is the width of the vapor flux impacting on some area of the fiber. Front side coating (FSC) width is the vapor width of atoms impacting on the substrate frontside (22).

Abstract: This invention relates to process for coating a metal surface, wherein said process comprises contacting the metal surface with a barrier coating comprising (a) an amine salt of a fatty acid or an amine salt of a derivative of a fatty acid, (b) a salt of a non polymeric aromatic acid, (c) optionally, a nonionic or anionic surfactant, and (d) water. The invention further comprises a process for cleaning a metal surface containing residues, which comprises contacting the metal surface, exposed to the barrier coating, with water to remove residues that have deposited after applying the barrier coating to the metal surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a substrate processing method including a step of covering in advance the surface of a substrate W with water (28), a step of holding the substrate W generally horizontally with the surface facing upward and rotating it in a horizontal plane (10), and a step of blowing to the substrate top surface drying gas flow that is thin in area in comparison with the substrate W surface (30, 40), in which the water is removed from the substrate top surface by the rotation in the horizontal plane while blowing the drying gas flow, a substrate processing apparatus for implementing the above method, and a control program for use with the above method and apparatus. With this invention, it is possible to dry a cleaned substrate without locally leaving water droplets.

Abstract: An optical compensatory sheet comprises a cellulose ester film, an orientation layer and an optically anisotropic layer formed of liquid crystal molecules in this order. Alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is fixed. An alkaline solution is coated on a surface of the cellulose ester film to saponify the surface. The saponified surface is coated with a coating solution of the orientation layer.

Abstract: A textile having durability of maintaining water- and sufficient oil-repellency and soil releasability before and after cleaning can be obtained by a method of preparing a treated textile, having steps of: (1) preparing a treatment liquid containing a water- and oil-repellent agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, preferably at most 3, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent is an emulsion containing a fluorine-containing compound and an emulsifier, the fluorine-containing compound is a fluorine-containing polymer and/or a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the emulsifier contains an anionic surface active agent having pKa of at least 2.

Abstract: A connecting member, used for serially connecting two carrier tapes, comprises a base film, a belt-like reference band substantially fixed on the base film, a bonding tape adhering on the base film, and a cover film covering the bonding tape. A straight reference face is provided on a longitudinal side of the reference band closely to the bonding tape.

Abstract: There are provided a dust generation preventing structure of a wafer storage case and a process for preventing dust generation thereof, wherein dust generation is effectively prevented by blocking or suppressing free movement of particles constantly generated from a surface of a wafer storage case of a synthetic resin with a coating layer of a surfactant, and a wafer storing method using the wafer storage case. The wafer storage case of synthetic resin is used for housing wafers, and a surface of the wafer storage case is coated with a coating layer of a coating agent to prevent dust generation from the surface.

Abstract: An electronic device substrate, such as a semiconductor silicon wafer or a liquid crystal glass substrate, with a surface which has just undergone cleaning treatment and which is covered with a clean oxide or nitride film which will readily adsorb organic contaminants is treated with an aqueous solution containing choline, or alternatively a similar substrate which has not been cleaned is treated with a treatment solution comprising a SC-1 solution to which choline has been added. Following drying, a surface concentration of choline of between 5×1010 molecules˜7×1012 molecules/cm2 is adsorbed onto the substrate surface. This treatment suppresses organic contamination of the substrate from the atmosphere. As a result, the surface carbon concentration of an electronic device substrate can be suppressed to a value of no more than approximately 3×1013 atoms/cm2, even for manufacturing processes carried out in typical clean rooms with no chemical filters installed.

Abstract: A method for applying a highly porous alumina material that is useful in the hot section of a jet aircraft engine. In order to apply the porous alumina, an aluminum-based metal/alumina material known in the art is first placed onto an aircraft engine component substrate. The aluminum-based metal is then dissolved using a solution that will not affect the alumina or the underlying substrate. The alumina is then washed with deionized water and dried. The aircraft engine component may be first masked by applying a non-porous metal oxide material to the component or by oxidizing the surface of the component. The resulting alumina has a porosity in the range of about 20% to about 45%. The alumina has globular interconnected surface features in the range of about 0.5 ?m to about 20 ?m.

Abstract: A process for production of a composite porous film wherein a porous support, of which both sides have been coated with a solution (dope) of an organic polymer compound in a water-soluble organic solvent to form a coated film, is passed through an air gap step and conveyed into a coagulating bath comprising water or a mixture of water with the same solvent as the organic solvent, and is then immersed in the coagulating bath so that the coated film on both surfaces of the porous support directly contact the coagulating bath for coagulation, and is then washed and dried. This production process is suitable for production of non-aqueous secondary battery separators, and yields non-aqueous secondary battery separators with good handling properties and at low cost, whereby the ion permeability, adhesion with electrodes and electrolyte solution retention can be strictly controlled.

Abstract: A multipurpose treatment composition for metal surfaces comprises phosphate ions, fluorometallate ions, water soluble polymers containing substituted aminomethylene moieties bonded to benzene rings which also have an oxygen atom bonded to another carbon atom in the same ring, and a distinct kind of film-forming polymer. The compositions are free from chromium and other heavy metals that cause serious pollution problems in some prior art treatment compositions.

Abstract: A process for impregnating a porous part is provided. In one embodiment, the process comprises impregnating the part with an impregnant that is not water soluble, and curing the impregnated part in a water bath. In another embodiment, the process comprises impregnating a part with an impregnant that is not water soluble, washing the impregnated part in a washing solution, and then curing the impregnated part in a water bath.

Abstract: Substrate processing methods and apparatuses are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a substrate processing apparatus for processing an analytical substrate. The apparatus includes a substrate holder for holding a substrate and a processing chamber including an opening for receiving the substrate holder and the substrate. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are in the processing chamber. A washing device adapted to supply a wash liquid to the substrate while the substrate is in the processing chamber. A liquid removal device adapted to dry the substrate when the substrate is being withdrawn from the processing chamber.

Abstract: An aqueous inorganic solution for sealing the porosity of metal components made of sintered compacted powered metal and castings formed from liquid metal, and a process for applying the solution onto the components. The solution consists primarily of a blend of inorganic metallic salt silicates with the metal ions being taken from Group 1A elements.

Abstract: A method of electrolessly gold plating copper on a printed circuit board (PCB). Starting with a copper patterned PCB, steps include: clean with ultrasonic agitation with the PCB initially oriented vertically and gradually moved to a 45° angle; rinse; sulfuric acid bath with ultrasonic and mechanical agitation; rinse; another sulfuric acid bath with ultrasonic and mechanical agitation; plate the copper with palladium with ultrasonic agitation with the PCB initially oriented at a 45° angle and flipped half way through to opposing 45° angle; rinse; post dip in sulfuric acid; rinse; electrolessly nickel plate with mechanical agitation; rinse; nitrogen blow dry; visual inspection for nickel coverage of the copper; hydrochloric acid bath with manual agitation; rinse; if full nickel coverage was not achieved, repeat preceding steps starting with second sulfuric acid bath; gold flash plate to establish a first layer of gold; rinse; autocatalytic gold plate; rinse; and nitrogen blow dry.

Abstract: In a process for the chemical pretreatment before painting of composite metal structures that contain aluminum or aluminum alloy portions together with steel, galvanized steel and/or alloy-galvanized steel portions, in a first step the metal structure is treated with a zinc phosphating solution that forms a surface-covering crystalline zinc phosphate layer on steel and on galvanized or alloy-galvanized steel, but without forming a zinc phosphate layer on the aluminum portions, and then in a second step the metal structure is brought into contact with a treatment solution that does not excessively dissolve the crystalline zinc phosphate layer on steel, galvanized and/or alloy-galvanized steel, but forms a conversion layer on the aluminum portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for imparting hydrophilicity to a substrate whereby high hydrophilic properties and water-holding properties can be maintained for a long period of time. According to the present invention, an SiO2 film is formed directly or through an undercoat layer on a substrate under a reduced pressure of 100 Pa or less and immediately after the SiO2 film is formed, the SiO2 film is treated with water. Before forming the SiO2 film, it is also desirable that an undercoat layer consisting of a TiO2 film, Al2O3 film, Nb2O5 film, a laminated film prepared by laminating the TiO2 film on the Al2O3 film, a laminated film prepared by laminating the TiO2 film on the Nb2O5 film, or a low emissivity film be formed on a substrate and the SiO2 film be then formed on the undercoat film to serve as an SiO2 composite film.

Abstract: An ion processing element employing composite media disposed in a porous substrate, for facilitating removal of selected chemical species from a fluid stream. The ion processing element includes a porous fibrous glass substrate impregnated by composite media having one or more active components supported by a matrix material of polyacrylonitrile. The active components are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream passing through the ion processing element. Due to the porosity and large surface area of both the composite medium and the substrate in which it is disposed, a high degree of contact is achieved between the active component and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the porosity of the matrix material and the substrate facilitates use of the ion processing element in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a high volume flows.

Abstract: A method is used to expose a fingerprint on the surface of a metallic object which is covered with a layer of a metallic oxide such as rust. The metallic oxide is dissolved with a reagent which reacts with the metallic oxide. The dissolved metallic oxide is removed from the surface of the metallic object by washing with water to expose the fingerprint and a permanent copy is made of the fingerprint. More specifically, rust from a ferrous object is dissolved with an aqueous acid, the acid and dissolved rust is washed away with water, and a photograph is taken of the exposed fingerprint. The rust can also be dissolved by spraying the rust with a Precision Brand Step #3 Aerosol Rust Inhibitor and Lubricant. The rust can be removed by contacting the rust with a reagent containing a complexing agent for Fe(III) ions.

Abstract: An ion processing element employing composite media disposed in a porous substrate, for facilitating removal of selected chemical species from a fluid stream. The ion processing element includes a porous fibrous glass substrate impregnated by composite media having one or more active components supported by a matrix material of polyacrylonitrile. The active components are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream passing through the ion processing element. Due to the porosity and large surface area of both the composite medium and the substrate in which it is disposed, a high degree of contact is achieved between the active component and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the porosity of the matrix material and the substrate facilitates use of the ion processing element in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a high volume flows.

Abstract: Excellent water repellency, Oil repellency, stain block property and yellowing-resistance are imparted to a textile by a method of preparing a treated textile has the steps of (1) preparing a treatment liquid containing a water- and oil-repellent agent and a stain blocking agent, (2) bringing a pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to the textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile. The treatment liquid contains a sulfated fatty acid compound.

Abstract: An optical material, particularly a plastic lens for spectacles, which absorbs almost all UV rays of up to around 400 nm or so and is not too yellow, is obtained by dipping a poly(thio)urethane material or a diethylene glycol bisallylcarbonate polymer material in a solution containing: (1) a dibenzoylmethane compound of a general formula (1): wherein R and R′ each represent a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and n and n′ are the same or different integers, each falling between 0 and 3, or (2) a benzotriazole compound of a general formula (2): wherein R″ represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom or a bromine atom; and m and m′ each indicate 1 or 2.

Abstract: An aqueous surface treatment bath that has a pH from 2.5 to 4.5 and contains at least 0.1 g/L of orthophosphate ions, from 0.1 to 3 g/L of condensed phosphate ions, from 0.1 to 0.5 g/L of free hydrofluonc acid, and at least 0.1 g/L of water-soluble polymer molecules that, except for short end groups as generally known in the art, conform to general formula (1) below: in which n is the degree of polymerization and has an integral value or each molecule, the average value of n for all of the molecules present being from 2 to 50 and not necessarily integral, X is a hydrogen atom or a moiety Y conforming to general formula (II) wherein each of R1 and R2 is an alkyl moiety or a hydroxy alkyl moiety having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms each, the total number of moieties Y having a ratio to the total number of aromatic rings that is from 0.2:1.0 to 1.0:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stainproof-treating agent which comprises (A) 0.05 to 30 percent by weight of a nonvolatile resin ingredient, (B) 0.05 to 30 percent by weight of a nonvolatile ingredient of at least one oxide sol selected from the group consisting of an aluminum oxide sol, a silica sol, a zirconium oxide sol and an antimony oxide sol, (C) 1 to 50 percent by weight of an organic solvent and (D) 40 to 99 percent by weight of water, wherein the resin of the ingredient (A) has a solubility parameter of 10 or more and is insoluble in water at 25° C., a method for stainproof-treating by using the stainproof-treating agent and a stainproof-treated article obtained by the method for stainproof-treating. The stainproof-treating agent of the present invention can be applied on a substrate without requiring a special device and can provide excellent stain resistance by modifying a substrate surface hydrophilic by a simple work.

Abstract: A process for producing poromeric synthetic leather comprises I. producing an essentially nonporous impregnate by impregnating a textile sheet material with an aqueous polyurethane dispersion and drying, and II. producing a poromeric synthetic leather from the impregnate by subjecting the impregnate to the action of an aqueous solution of a Brønsted base.

Abstract: The process consists in dissolving a photochromic agent in a solvent, in impregnating the polymeric material with the solution of photochromic agent and in rinsing the polymeric material with an aqueous solution in order to replace the solvent with the aqueous solution. Application: to contact lenses.

Abstract: A method for staining a portion of a semiconductor wafer sample with a semiconductor treatment chemical. On embodiment of the method includes gripping the semiconductor wafer sample in a first openly biasable slot in a flexible bar and suspending the semiconductor wafer into the chemical. Other embodiments of the method may further include gripping plural semiconductor wafer samples in openly biasable sots in flexible bars to enable a plurality of semiconductor wafer samples to be treated with a semiconductor treatment chemical.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing dried, chopped strands from a supply of continuous fiber strands by the direct deposition of wet, chopped strands ejected from a chopping assembly into a drying chamber is disclosed. A transition chute is interposed between the chopping assembly and the drying chamber to guide the chopped strands to pass directly into the drying chamber.

Abstract: A method for contacting at least one semiconductor wafer with a chemical solution. The method includes providing a support member constructed to support at least one semiconductor wafer in a desired orientation. The method further includes orienting the support member relative to a container holding a chemical solution such that at least a portion of each semiconductor wafer that is supported by the support member is contacted by the chemical solution within the container.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite security thread, e.g. for a bank note, is produced by coating aluminium film onto a polyester film and coating selected regions with magnetic material. Photoresist characters are next printed onto the magnetic material, and a chemical applied to remove the aluminium coating except where protected by the resist. An obscuring silver coating is then applied over the magnetic material, and a final transparent material applied as a barrier to reduce the risk of damage during subsequent processing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a micromachine includes the step of constructing a low surface energy film on the micromachine. The micromachine is then rinsed with a rinse liquid that has a high surface energy, relative to the low surface energy film, to produce a contact angle of greater than 90.degree. between the low surface energy film and the rinse liquid. This relatively large contact angle causes any rinse liquid on the micromachine to be displaced from the micromachine when the micromachine is removed from the rinse liquid. In other words, the micromachine is dried by dewetting from a liquid-based process. Thus, a separate evaporative drying step is not required, as the micromachine is removed from the liquid-based process in a dry state. The relatively large contact angle also operates to prevent attractive capillary forces between micromachine components, thereby preventing contact and adhesion between adjacent microstructure surfaces.

Abstract: Gold is deposited on a copper base defining electrical circuit features disposed on a substrate containing a palladium seeder, by initially treating the substrate with an alkaline cleaner, followed by treating the substrate with sodium persulfate, and subsequently treating the substrate with a diluted sulfuric acid solution. The substrate is rinsed between each one of the treatments, and after the final rinse following treatment with diluted sulfuric acid, the substrate is immersed in a gold deposition solution whereby gold is deposited on the exposed surfaces of the copper circuit features on a substrate. The process embodying the present invention provides a method for depositing gold on high density copper conductor lines or pads, even in areas of the surface in which the conductors are spaced apart 2.0 mil or less, without cleaning or removing the palladium seed from the surface.