For chemically etching polyimide (Kapton, etc.), usually a strong basic
solution will work such as KOH, NaOH, etc.  Most of the time an alcohol is
added.  I've used a solution of ethanol, KOH, and water.  There are also
commercial strippers on the market containing sodium hydroxide and furfuryl
alcohol.

Be sure to use proper safety equipment and procedures when handling the
materials, as the pH is quite high.  Perhaps Dupont could provide you with
some information on specific etching recipes.

Cured polyimide is very solvent resistant.  I'm not sure that there are too
many things that will dissolve it.  N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) is used to
dissolve uncured or partially cured  polyimide, but in my experience, it
didn't attack fully cured material.  I've also seen uncured types of
polyimide dissolved in gamma-butyralactone or xylene.

I'm sure that polyimide can also be etched with plasma.  Perhaps someone
can share the details of that process.

Dave Anderson


Opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily that of my employer.


>>> Bob <[log in to unmask]> 02/13/98 02:01pm >>>
I am interested in the subject of Kapton Etching.  Does anyone have
information about which types of Kapton material can be etched and how?

Bob Carter
Multi-Fineline Electronix, Inc.
1301 N. Dynamics St.
Anaheim, CA 92806

714-996-1248

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