A method is provided for subtractively processing a layer of etchable material formed over an electrically conductive surface region of a workpiece. The workpiece is immersed in a liquid solution, generally but not exclusively a conductive solution, that comprises an etchant for the etchable material, so that etching of the etchable material is initiated. An electric circuit is connected to include a control electrode, a reference electrode, and the electrically conductive surface region of the workpiece. The electric circuit is used to monitor the development process dynamically at each of a plurality of intervals during the etching. The etching is terminated when the electrochemical signal satisfies a criterion indicating that the etching is complete.

An encapsulated polymeric article is disclosed. The encapsulated polymeric article may include a polymer substrate and a metallic outer shell at least partially encapsulating the polymer substrate. The encapsulated polymeric article may be fabricated by a method comprising: 1) providing a mandrel in a shape of the encapsulated polymeric article, 2) shaping the metallic outer shell on the mandrel, 3) removing the mandrel from the metallic outer shell, and 4) molding the polymeric substrate into the metallic outer shell through a port formed in the metallic outer shell to provide the encapsulated polymeric article.

Various inventions are disclosed in the microchip manufacturing arts. Conductive pattern formation by semi-additive processes are disclosed. Further conductive patterns and methods using activated precursors are also disclosed. Aluminum laminated surfaces and methods of circuit formation therefrom are further disclosed. Circuits formed on an aluminum heat sink are also disclosed. The inventive subject matter further discloses methods of electrolytic plating by controlling surface area of an anode.

A self-cleaning transparent conductive surface includes a hydrophobic film and a metal nano-web coupled to the hydrophobic film. The metal nano-web imparts conductive properties to the surface of the film and texturing formed by either the hydrophobic film, substrate or metal nano-web create a super-hydrophobic surface. This super-hydrophobic and conductive surface may be created by etching and layering a metal nano-web over the surface of a hydrophobic film or a rigid substrate, the metal grid may the hydrophobic film or substrate may also be etched in a moth's eye pattern. Both the hydrophobic film or substrate and metal nano-web may be coated in a layer of hydrophobic material to further increase the hydrophobic effect.

Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an electrode lead. The method may include manufacturing each of a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead, bonding the first electrode lead to the second electrode lead form a connection part. Manufacturing the first electrode lead may include unwinding a first metal plate from a first metal reel, attaching a first tape to perform masking on a first connection area to form the connection part, plating and surface treating on the first metal plate, and removing the first tape. Manufacturing the second electrode lead may include unwinding a second metal plate from a second metal reel, attaching a second tape to perform masking on a second connection area to form the connection part, plating and surface treating the second metal plate, and removing the second tape.

An apparatus includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a power component disposed on the PCB, the power component to generate heat, and a multilayered coating disposed over the power component and at least a portion of the PCB to dissipate heat from the power component, the multilayered including: an electrical insulation layer comprising a non-polar compound and disposed on the power component and the at least a portion of the PCB; a chromium layer disposed on the electrical insulation layer; and a copper layer disposed on the chromium layer that is at least 10 microns (μm) thick, the copper layer conformally adhered to a top of the power component and to the PCB.

A circuit layer is formed by drilling vias and forming channels in a circuit layer which has catalytic particles exposed on the surfaces, channels, and vias. A first flash electroless deposition is followed by application of dry film, followed by selective laser ablation of the dry film channels and vias. A second electroless solution is applied which provides additional deposition over the first flash electroless deposition but only on the vias and trace channel areas. An electrodeposition follows, using the first deposition as a cathode. The dry film is stripped and the first electroless layer is etched, leaving only depositions in the channels and vias.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a modified fabric composition, the composition comprising a fabric member and an electroactive member for storing energy, wherein the fabric member comprises a fabric framework defining a deformable plane and a plurality of projections extending at an angle from the plane, and wherein the electroactive member is coupled to at least one of the projections.

Shielding coatings are applied to polymer substrates for selective metallization of the substrates. The shielding coatings include a primer component and a hydrophobic top coat. The primer is first applied to the polymer substrate followed by application of the top coat component. The shielding coating is then selectively etched to form an outline of a desired current pattern. A catalyst is applied to the patterned polymer substrate followed by electroless metal plating in the etched portions. The portions of the polymer substrate which contain the shielding coating inhibit electroless metal plating. The primers contain five-membered heterocyclic nitrogen compounds and the top coat contains hydrophobic alky organic compounds.

A self-cleaning transparent conductive surface includes a hydrophobic film and a metal nano-web coupled to the hydrophobic film. The metal nano-web imparts conductive properties to the surface of the film and texturing formed by either the hydrophobic film, substrate or metal nano-web create a super-hydrophobic surface. This super-hydrophobic and conductive surface may be created by etching and layering a metal nano-web over the surface of a hydrophobic film or a rigid substrate, the metal grid may the hydrophobic film or substrate may also be etched in a moth's eye pattern. Both the hydrophobic film or substrate and metal nano-web may be coated in a layer of hydrophobic material to further increase the hydrophobic effect.