Patent ID: 7883738
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: C23C,C23F,H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for enhancing the corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and contact resistance of a device comprising a copper or copper alloy substrate and at least one metal-based layer on a surface of the substrate, the at least one metal-based layer comprising a base metal layer and a precious metal layer, the precious metal layer having a thickness of less than about 1.0 μm, the method comprising: exposing the device to a composition consisting essentially of a phosphorus oxide compound selected from the group consisting of a phosphonic acid, a phosphonate salt, a phosphonate ester, a phosphoric acid, a phosphate salt, a phosphate ester, and mixtures thereof; an aromatic heterocycle comprising nitrogen; optionally a sulfur containing compound; and wherein the phosphorus oxide compound, the aromatic heterocycle comprising nitrogen and optionally a sulfur containing compound are dissolved in a solvent having a surface tension less than about 50 dynes/cm as measured at 25° C.