Polyimide Substrate Nitrogen Bonding for PCB Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Copper nanoparticles in copper nano-ink for printed wiring boards are prone to oxidation, leading to decreased adhesion and etching properties, resulting in potential short circuits and reduced workability.

Innovation Solution

A substrate with a polyimide base film and a sinter layer of copper nanoparticles, where the average number of nitrogen atoms bonded to copper atoms per unit area is optimized between 2.6×10^18 and 7.7×10^18 atoms/m^2, enhancing adhesion and etching properties by adjusting the bonding force and surface roughness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copper nanoparticles are used to form metal layers, then conductivity and fine wiring are improved, but oxidation occurs leading to decreased adhesion and etching properties

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidoxidation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces nitrogen atoms as an intermediary substance between copper nanoparticles and the polyimide base film. These nitrogen atoms form chemical bonds with copper atoms, creating a bridging layer that prevents direct oxidation of copper while maintaining strong adhesion to the base film. The nitrogen atoms act as a protective mediator that eliminates the harmful oxidation effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure consisting of copper nanoparticles, nitrogen-containing compounds, and polyimide base film. This composite material system combines the high conductivity of copper with the adhesion benefits of nitrogen-polyimide bonding, while the nitrogen layer protects against oxidation. The composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the number of nitrogen atoms bonded to copper atoms is increased, then adhesion is improved, but etching properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidetching property
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of nitrogen atoms bonded to copper atoms within a specific range (2.6×10^18 to 7.7×10^18 atoms/m²). By precisely controlling this parameter, the patent achieves the best balance between adhesion and etching properties. Too few nitrogen atoms result in poor adhesion, while too many deteriorate etching properties. The optimal parameter range resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by introducing a controlled, limited amount of nitrogen atoms rather than excessive nitrogen content. This partial introduction of nitrogen atoms is sufficient to improve adhesion while avoiding the excessive nitrogen that would harm etching properties. The controlled partial action resolves the contradiction between adhesion improvement and etching maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 substrate achieves excellent adhesion between the sinter layer and the base film, improving etching properties and preventing formation failures in printed wiring boards.

Implementation Method 1

The base film contains a nitrogen atom bonded to a copper atom of the copper nanoparticles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a measurement value of the surface of the base film measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12058812B2Substrate for a printed wiring board
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • US12058812B2 patent drawing
  • US12058812B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A substrate for a printed wiring board, the substrate includes a base film containing polyimide as a main component and a sinter layer disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the base film and containing copper nanoparticles. The base film contains a nitrogen atom bonded to a copper atom of the copper nanoparticles, an average number of the nitrogen atom bonded to the copper atom per unit area of the surface of the base film on which the sinter layer is disposed is 2.6×1018 atoms/m2 to 7.7×1018 atoms/m2, and the average number is an average number calculated for a measurement region estimated to have a thickness of 3 nm from a measurement value of the surface of the base film measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.