Has anyone noticed a thin layer of gelatinous residue between the copper plating and the laminate during X-section inspection? What we are seeing appears to be isolated occurances of hole wall separation when viewed at 100-200X. Closer examination at 500-1000X reveals a thin layer of gelatinous residue (approx. 100-200 Microinches thick) on the back side of the plating. So far I have only observed the problem on the B-stage material which happens to be a high Tg (170 degree) FR4 material. We are using KMnO4 desmear. The residue differs from normal holewal pull away as follows: 1. There are small inclusions that are coated with electroless copper and have a dark center extending .0001-.0003 inches into the electroplated copper. Similar to a glass fiber inclusion. 2. The contour of the laminate face and the contour of the electroplated copper do not match in the area exhibiting hole wall pull away. There is a layer of gelatinous residue on the backside of the plating that produces different contours and separates from the laminate. 3. The gelatinous material has an irridesent appearance. 4. When polarized light is used the gelatinous materila looks like the base laminate. If the material were polishing debris the material would be white and have a crystalline appearance. I know of at least one other company who have seen similar problems with a high Tg FR4. Are there others? If any one else observes a similar problem please let me know. Thanks Wendell Conner