Amorphous Alloy Release Layer for Composite Copper Foil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite copper foils with organic or metallic release layers face issues such as low heat resistance and surface defects like pinholes during the peeling process, leading to weakened peeling properties and potential failure to separate the ultra-thin copper layer from the carrier layer.

Innovation Solution

A composite copper foil with an amorphous alloy release layer formed by electroplating a ternary alloy of nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten, which provides a smooth surface and high peel strength, reducing pinhole defects and enabling easy peeling at high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an organic release layer is used, then the peeling property is improved at low temperatures, but the heat resistance deteriorates at high temperatures causing decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeeling propertyVSAvoidheat resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material composition of the release layer from organic materials to a metallic glass alloy composition (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pd, Pt, Mo, W, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os, Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Al, Si, B, P, C, N, O, S, Se, Te, and their combinations). This parameter change enables the release layer to maintain both good peeling properties and high heat resistance, as the metallic glass alloy does not decompose at high temperatures like organic materials while still providing effective release functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite metallic glass alloy material containing multiple elements (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pd, Pt, Mo, W, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os, Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Al, Si, B, P, C, N, O, S, Se, Te) in specific proportions. This composite material structure combines the advantages of different metals to achieve both excellent peeling properties and high heat resistance, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and temperature resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If a metallic compound release layer is used, then the heat resistance is improved, but surface defects such as pinholes are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidsurface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the structural state of the metallic release layer from crystalline to amorphous (metallic glass) state. This parameter change eliminates grain boundaries and surface irregularities that cause pinholes in conventional metallic compound release layers, while maintaining high heat resistance. The amorphous structure provides a smooth surface that prevents defect formation during the copper foil manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention achieves uniform amorphous structure throughout the release layer, eliminating local variations and grain boundaries that would create surface defects. This local quality control ensures consistent surface smoothness and prevents pinhole formation across the entire release layer surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the release layer has grain boundaries, then the structural stability is improved, but surface irregularities cause pinholes in the copper layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsurface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the structural state from crystalline with grain boundaries to amorphous without grain boundaries. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing structural stability through the unique metallic glass structure while eliminating surface irregularities. The amorphous structure achieves stability through its homogeneous atomic arrangement rather than grain boundary networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The amorphous alloy release layer ensures strong peel strength and reduces surface defects, allowing for reliable separation of the ultra-thin copper layer from the carrier layer even at high temperatures, enhancing the workability and quality of the composite copper foil.

Implementation Method 1

forming a release layer which is amorphous on the carrier layer by electroplating using an electrolyte that includes nickel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Implementation Method 2

the ultra-thin copper layer may be peeled off using the release layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeeling:

Data Source

PatentEP3930996B1Composite copper foil and method of fabricating the same
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 CIRCUIT FOIL LUXEMBOURG SARL
  • EP3930996B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3930996B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3930996B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provides a composite copper foil comprising a carrier layer, a release layer and an ultra-thin copper layer in this order, wherein the release layer comprises a binary alloy or a ternary alloy comprising nickel, and is formed into an amorphous layer, and the ultra-thin copper layer is peelable from the carrier layer; and provides a method of fabricating the composite copper foil.