Electroless copper coating of epoxide plates in an ultrasonic field

This paper reports the study of ultrasonic irradiation effects on electrole ss copper coating on an epoxide resin. Several parameters were monitored, s uch as plating rates, practical adhesion and internal stress, versus varyin g acoustic powers at a constant frequency of 530 kHz. Exposure conditions w ere characterised by both transmitted power and interfacial mass transfer c oefficients. Optimum conditions expressed in irradiation time and power wer e determined. The use of ultrasound during electroless copper plating affec ts the plating rates and the deposits properties, particularly the practica l adhesion which increases whereas the internal stress decreases. Then, the changes in the coating mechanisms are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.