Controlled
Micro-Etch
Creates adhesion-promoting copper topography
Stronger Polymer
Adhesion
Improves bonding of organic materials
PCB & Inner-Layer
Bonding
Prepares copper for multilayer fabrication
Copper Surface
Preparation
Cleans and conditions copper surfaces
Ambient-Temperature
Processing
Operates from ambient to 85°F
About NuKlean Cu-AP
NuKlean Cu-AP is an acidic copper and copper-alloy cleaner and adhesion promoter designed to create a controlled micro-etched surface that improves bonding between metallic substrates and organic polymers. The treatment produces a unique surface topography that provides a more effective mechanical and chemical interface for subsequent coating, lamination and imaging processes.
Originally developed for inner-layer bonding in printed circuit board manufacturing, NuKlean Cu-AP is also effective for promoting adhesion of solder mask, photoresist and dielectric materials to copper surfaces. Its controlled micro-etching action can also be used wherever improved copper surface preparation and organic coating adhesion are required.
Beyond electronics manufacturing, NuKlean Cu-AP can be used in chemical milling, pre-paint and pre-powder-coat surface preparation. The product is effective at ambient temperature and may be operated up to 85°F, with dwell time and temperature adjusted to develop the desired surface topography and adhesion performance. For best results, NuGenTec recommends precleaning with NuKlean Cu-C before treatment.
Typical Applications
PCB Inner-Layer Bonding
Photoresist Adhesion
Copper Micro-Etching
Chemical Milling Pretreatment
Solder Mask Adhesion
Paint & Powder-Coat Pretreatment
Controlled
Micro-Etch
Creates adhesion-promoting copper topography
Stronger Polymer
Adhesion
Improves bonding of organic materials
PCB & Inner-Layer
Bonding
Prepares copper for multilayer fabrication
Copper Surface
Preparation
Cleans and conditions copper surfaces
Ambient-Temperature
Processing
Operates from ambient to 85°F
Typical Properties
| Property | NuKlean Cu-AP |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Light Brown Liquid |
| Density at 20°C (68°F), g/ml (lb/gal) | 1.198 (10.00) |
| pH, 100.0% | <1.50 |
| pH, 5.0% | <2.00 |
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), g/L | 12 |
| Flash Point, °C (°F) | None |
| Solubility in Water, g/L | Complete |
| Contains Chlorides | Yes |
| Foaming Tendency | High Foam |
| Corrosive | Yes |
Process Parameters
| Parameter | NuKlean Cu-AP |
|---|---|
| Use Concentration, % (v/v) | 50 |
| Operating Temperature, °C (°F) | 20.0–29.0 (68.0–84.2) |
| Application Methods | Immersion |
| Recommended Pre-Clean | NuKlean Cu-C |
| Process Time, sec–min, range | Application Specific |
| Process Optimization | Adjust temperature and dwell time to achieve desired surface topography and adhesion |
Material Compatibility
| Material | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Test for Compatibility |
| Cast Steel | Test for Compatibility |
| Monel | Test for Compatibility |
| Brass | Compatible |
| Copper | Compatible |
| Nickel | Test for Compatibility |
| Bronze | Compatible |
| Hastelloy | Test for Compatibility |
| Stainless Steel | Test for Compatibility |
| Carbon Steel | Test for Compatibility |
| Inconel | Test for Compatibility |
| Tantalum | Test for Compatibility |
| Cast Iron | Test for Compatibility |
| Incoloy 825 | Test for Compatibility |
| Titanium | Test for Compatibility |
| Ti6Al4V | Test for Compatibility |
| Zinc | Test for Compatibility |
| Zinc Plating | Test for Compatibility |
| Galvanized Surfaces | Test for Compatibility |
| Magnesium | Test for Compatibility |
| Other Metals | Test for Compatibility |
Available Sizes
| Package Size | Net Weight |
|---|---|
| 275-gallon tote | 2,750 lb |
| 55-gallon drum | 550 lb |
| 5-gallon pail | 50 lb |
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