Patent Publication Number: US-5833759-A

Title: Method for preparing vias for subsequent metallization

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of electronic component packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to interconnect circuits having via interconnections and a method for preparing laser drilled apertures for subsequent metallization processing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are various types of multichip modules (MCMs) used for electronic interconnections: multichip modules (MCM-L), thin film deposited multichip modules (MCM-D), and ceramic multichip modules (MCM-C), which include different layers within the modules. Vias are used for interconnecting the different layers of the modules and are punched or laser drilled through the layers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,313 discloses a process for manufacturing a multilayer hybrid for an MCM-C device that uses a metallic conductive pattern layer formed on an inorganic insulating layer. Vias having diameters of between 25-125 microns are formed by laser drilling through the inorganic insulating layer for making electrical connections between conductive pattern layers. According to the &#39;313 patent, the overall thickness of the inorganic insulating layers should be less than 50 microns, preferably less than 40 microns, and more preferably less than 30 microns. 
     After via formation by laser drilling, photoabsorptive layers on the module are removed and the via surfaces cleaned. Loose ablated material redeposited on the via side walls during laser drilling should be removed prior to subsequent electrodeposition operations being conducted. Such cleaning was not a problem when the drilled holes were of generally macro dimensions. However, laser drilling techniques can form holes of 75 microns or less in diameter, and at such micro dimensions, deposited ablated material becomes a significant problem. 
     Thus, a need exists to provide an efficient method of cleaning vias formed by laser drilling, especially where the vias have an entrance diameter of 75 microns or less. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a method of preparing the surface of the vias that have been formed in a substrate for subsequent electrodeposition treatment. The vias, after being laser drilled to have entrance diameters of 75 microns or less are cleaned with a solution. The solution is a sodium-napthalene mixture that effectively cleans the via surfaces to prepare the surface for subsequent deposition of metal. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient method of cleaning vias formed by laser drilling. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 are scanning electronmicrographs of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) matrix material used to prepare the dielectric materials used in the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to interconnection circuit devices having a substrate containing either blind vias or through vias. The vias are produced by laser ablation and laser drilling processes. In laser ablation, short pulses of intense ultraviolet light are absorbed in a thin layer of substrate material. After laser ablation or drilling, ablated material from the process is formed on via side walls and must be removed for subsequent treatment of the via, e.g., metallization. When the via entrances produced by laser techniques are small, 75 microns or less, conventional via techniques are not useful to remove ablated material redeposited on the sidewalls of the vias to the degree necessary for subsequent, reliable plating of conductive material into the vias. 
     Using an aggressive cleaning treatment that includes a sodium etch is successful in removing redeposited ablated material in vias that have entrance dimensions of 75 microns or less. Although the sodium etch has specifically utility for small vias, it is within the scope of this invention to apply this aggressive cleaning technique to vias of any size. 
     The vias to be treated with the sodium etch cleaning solution in one embodiment have been formed by laser drilling using conventional techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In another embodiment of the present invention, the vias cleaned are vias having an entrance of less than or equal to 75 microns and an aspect ratio of 1:1 or greater. The vias can be formed by a method such that they have smaller entrance diameters, exit diameters, greater aspect ratios and lower average via resistances than presently available. 
     The electronic components processed in accordance with the present invention can be laminated substrates in which the vias can be formed, and include a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer formed on the first conductive layer, and an exposed second conductive layer formed on the dielectric layer. The second conductive layer can have a preformed aperture at a location where the blind-via is to be formed in the substrate. The dielectric layer is drilled through to the first conductive layer using a plurality of laser pulses that are applied to the dielectric layer through the preformed aperture in the second conductive layer. Each laser pulse applied to the dielectric layer has an energy density per pulse that is greater than an ablation threshold of the dielectric layer, but is less than an ablation threshold of the first conductive layer. 
     Various dielectric materials, including the ePTFE dielectric materials described below, contain vias which may be laser drilled using mode-locked solid state lasers operating in the UV range. Generally, a pulsed laser is used to drill the vias. The pulses ablate the dielectric material and stop at the metal layers. To obtain uniform vias with good aspect ratios, the pulse repetition rate ranges from 1 KHz to 10 MHZ which varies the pulse width of the laser. Residue remaining in the vias is then ablated by again adjusting the pulse intensity. Preferably, lasers that are capable of producing energy densities in the range of 0.5 to 20 J/cm 2  and those capable of making in-situ and virtually instantaneous changes in the energy density by varying the pulse repetition rate from 1 KHz to 10 MHZ are used. These variations in pulse repetition rate result in variations in the pulse width for Nd:YAG lasers of between 40 and 100 ns. 
     In general, when performing a post-pulse step to ablate dielectric residue after an initial ablation step, the pulse density can be double for a brief time period, whereby 1-10 pulses may typically be used. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the blind vias were formed with lasers that are solid state pulsed lasers such as the pulsed Nd YAG laser. The fundamental output from the Nd YAG laser is at a wavelength of 1064 nm. This wavelength is in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Beta-Barium Borate (BBO) crystals were installed in the optical path, harmonic generation facilitating the output of light at 355 nm (third harmonic) and 266 nm (fourth harmonic), which fall in the ultraviolet range. 
     When the laser emits at a wavelength of 355 nm, the energy density per pulse applied to the dielectric material is between 0.5 J/cm 2  and 20 J/cm 2 , inclusive, and preferably is nominally 10 J/cm 2 , using a pulse width that is less than or equal to 100 ns. When the laser emits at a wavelength of 266 nm, the energy density per pulse applied to the dielectric material is between 0.5 J/cm 2  and 10 J/cm 2 , inclusive, and preferably is nominally 2 J/cm 2 , also using a pulse width of less than or equal to 100 ns. 
     When the laser emits at a wavelength of 355 nm, the energy density per pulse applied to the conductive layer is greater than 5 J/cm 2 , and preferably is nominally 10 J/cm 2 , with a pulse width that is less than or equal to 100 ns. When the laser emits at a wavelength of 266 nm, the energy density per pulse applied to the conductive layer is greater than 4 J/cm 2 , and preferably is nominally 9 J/cm, using a pulse width of less than or equal to 100 ns. 
     The 355 nm and 266 nm wavelengths are particularly well suited for drilling vias in layers of copper and an adhesive-filler-ePTFE dielectric, and using a 266 nm laser, the energy density is 1.5 J/cm 2 , the energy per pulse is 100 J, and the power density is 20 megawatts per cm 2 . At the 355 nm wavelength, blind vias are formed by setting the energy density at 3.5 J/cm 2 , the energy per pulse is 30 J, and the power density is 35 megawatts per cm 2 . 
     The port-pulse step for the blind vias using a 355 nm laser requires adjusting the conditions such that the energy density is 11 J/cm 2 , the energy per pulse is 100 J, and the power density is 200 megawatts per cm 2 . 
     When blind vias were formed in an adhesive-filler-ePTFE dielectric described below, a 355 nm laser, energy density is 7 J/cm 2 , where the energy per pulse is 65 J, and the power density is 100 megawatts per cm 2  was used. A post-pulse step would require adjusting the parameters such that the energy density is 11 J/cm 2 , the energy per pulse is 100 J, and the power density is 200 megawatts per cm 2 . 
     After the blind-via has been drilled through the dielectric layer, a blind-via post-pulse processing technique is used. That is, the output conditions of the laser are changed, preferably in situ, over the drilled blind-via and the first conductive layer is then laser drilled for a predetermined number of pulses, preferably between 1 to 10, inclusive, at the changed output conditions. Each pulse applied to the first conductive layer has a second energy density per pulse that is greater than an ablation threshold of the first conductive layer. The predetermined number of pulses at the second energy density per pulse level ablates any dielectric material remaining on the surface of the first conductive layer and causes the surface of the first conductive layer exposed by the laser drilling to become molten. 
     When the blind-via is filled with a conductive material, an average resistance of a connection through the blind-via to the first conductive layer is about 2 mΩ, and a variance of the resistance of the connection through the blind-via to the first conductive layer is about 0.25 mΩ 2 . 
     After the vias have been formed it is cleaned with a suitable sodium-napthalene solution, such as that available under the tradename TETRA-ETCH® by W. L. Gore &amp; Associates, Inc., for example. The sodium/naphthalene etching solution is very corrosive and is efficient in cleaning the vias and removing redeposited ablated material. The etching prepares the vias and their side walls for plating of conductive material. The sodium/etch cleaning is useful with circuit devices having vias which are smaller than conventionally produced vias. 
     In the present invention, the dielectric material of the substrate may be any suitable dielectric material, such as, but not limited to, polyimides and polyimide laminates, epoxy resins, epoxy resins in combination with other resin material, organic materials, alone or any of the above combined with fillers. Dielectric materials include a fluoropolymer matrix, where the fluoropolymer can be PTFE, ePTFE or copolymers or blends. Suitable fluoropolymers include, but are not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, with or without an adhesive filler mixture. 
     Included are Speedboard® bond plies available from W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc., such as, Speedboard® C which is a prepreg of non-woven material containing a cyanate ester resin in a polytetrafluoroethylene matrix. Speedboard® C has a dielectric constant, (Dk) of 2.6-2.7 at 1 Mhz-10 GHz, a loss tangent of 0.004 at 1 MHz-10 GHz, a dielectric strength greater than 1000 V/mil, a glass transition (T g ) of 220° C., a resin content of 66-68 wt. % and is available in a variety of thicknesses. Also Speedboard® N prepreg, which is a prepreg of a non-woven material containing a multi-functional epoxy adhesive, in an expanded PTFE matrix may also be used. Speedboard® N has a dielectric constant, (Dk) of 3.0 at 1 MHz, a loss tangent of 0.02 at 1 MHz, a dielectric strength greater than 900 V/mil, a glass transition (T g ) of 140° C., a resin content of 66-68 wt. % and is available in a variety of thicknesses. 
     Another suitable dielectric is an expanded PTFE matrix, showing in FIG. 1, that includes a mixture of at least two of a cyanate ester compound, an epoxy compound, a bis-triazine compound and a poly (bis-maleimide) resin. For example, a varnish solution is made by mixing 5.95 pounds of M-30 (Ciba Geigy), 4.07 pounds of RSL 1462 (Shell Resins, Inc.), 4.57 pounds of 2,4,6-tribromophenyl-terminated tetrabromobisphenol A carbonate oligomer (BC-58) (Great Lakes Inc.), 136 g bisphenol A (Aldrich Company), 23.4 g Irganox 1010, 18.1 g of a 10% solution of Mn HEX-CEM in mineral spirits, and 8.40 kg MEK. The varnish solution was further diluted into two separate baths --20% (w/w) and 53.8% (w/w). The two varnish solutions were poured into separate impregnation baths, and an e-PTFE web was successively passed through each impregnation bath one immediately after the other. The varnish was constantly agitated so as to insure uniformity. The impregnated web was then immediately passed through a heated oven to remove all or nearly all the solvent and partially cure the adhesives, and was collected on a roll. The ePTFE web any be any desired thickness, such as 25 microns, 40 microns, for example. A 25 microns thick material has a mass of approximately 0.9 g and a weight per area of approximately 11.2 to 13.8 g/m 2 . 
     Other classes of dielectric materials include those where a porous matrix system contains an imbibed or impregnated adhesive-filler mixture. The porous matrix is a non-woven substrate that is imbibed with high quantities of filler and a thermoplastic or thermoset adhesive, as a result of the initial void volume of the substrate, heated to partially cure the adhesive and form a B-stage composite. Substrates include fluoropolymers, such as the porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,482,516, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Desirably, the mean flow pore size (MFPS) should be between about 2 to 5 times or above that of the largest particulate, with a MFPS of greater than about 2.4 times that of the filler being particularly preferred. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that suitable composites can be prepared by selecting the ratio of the mean flow pore size to average particle size ratio to be greater than 1.4. Acceptable composites can also be prepared when the ratio of the minimum pore size to average particle size is at least above 0.8, or the ratio of the minimum pore size to the maximum particle size is at least above 0.4. The MFPS to particle size ratios may be determined with a Microtrak® Model FRA Particle Analyzer device. 
     Alternatively, another mechanism for gauging relative pore and particle sizes may be calculated as the smallest pore size being not less than about 1.4 times the largest particle size. 
     In addition to expanded fluoropolymer substrates, porous expanded polyolefins, such as ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, expanded polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene made prepared by paste extrusion and incorporating sacrificial fillers, porous inorganic or organic foams, or microporous cellulose acetate, can also be used. 
     The porous substrate has an initial void volume of at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 70%, and facilitates the impregnation of thermoset or thermoplastic adhesive resin and particulate filler paste in the voids while providing a flexible reinforcement to prevent brittleness of the overall composite and settling of the particles. 
     The filler comprises a collection of particles when analyzed by a Microtrak® Model FRA Particle Analyzer device, which displays a maximum particle size, a minimum particle size and an average particle size by way of a histogram. 
     Suitable fillers to be incorporated into the adhesive include, but are not limited to, BaTiO 3 , SiO 2 , Al 2  O 3 , ZnO, ZrO 2 , TiO 2 , precipitated and sol-gel ceramics, such as silica, titania and alumina, non-conductive carbon (carbon black) and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred fillers are SiO 2 , ZrO 2 , TiO 2  alone or in combination with non-conductive carbon. Most preferred fillers include filler made by the vapor metal combustion process taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,762, such as, but not limited to silicon, titanium and aluminum to produced silica, titania, and alumina particles that are solid in nature, i.e., not a hollow sphere, with a uniform surface curvature and a high degree of sphericity. 
     The fillers may be treated by well-known techniques that render the filler hydrophobic by silylating agents and/or agents reactive to the adhesive matrix, such as by using coupling agents. Suitable coupling agents include, silanes, titanates, zirconates, and aluminates. Suitable silylating agents may include, but are not limited to, functional silyating agents, silazanes, silanols, siloxanes. Suitable silazanes, include, but are not limited to, hexamethyldisilazane (Huls H730) and hexamethylcyclotrisilazane, silylamides such as, bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide (Huls B2500), silylureas such as trimethylsilylurea, and silylmidazoles such as trimethylsilylimidazole. 
     Titanate coupling agents are exemplified by the tetra alkyl type, monoalkoxy type, coordinate type, chelate type, quaternary salt type, neoalkoxy type, cycloheteroatom type. Preferred titanates include, tetra alkyl titanates, Tyzor® TOT {tetrakis(2-ethyl-hexyl)titanate, Tyzor® TPT {tetraisopropyl titanate}, chelated titanates, Tyzor® GBA {titanium acetylacetylacetonate}, Tyzor® DC {titanium ethylacetacetonate}, Tyzor® CLA {proprietary to DuPont}, Monoalkoxy (Ken-React® KR TTS), Ken-React®, KR-55 tetra (2,2 diallyloxymethyl)butyl, di(ditridecyl)phosphito titanate, LICA® 38 neopentyl(diallyl)oxy, tri(dioctyl)pyro-phosphato titanate. 
     Suitable zirconates include, any of the zirconates detailed at page 22 in the Kenrich catalog, in particular KZ 55-tetra (2,2 diallyloxymethyl)butyl, di(ditridecyl)phosphito zirconate, NZ-01-neopentyl(diallyl)oxy, trineodecanoyl zirconate, NZ-09-neopentyl(diallyl)oxy, tri(dodecyl)benzene-sulfonyl zirconate. 
     The aluminates that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to Kenrich®, diisobutyl(oleyl)acetoacetylaluminate (KA 301), diisopropyl(oleyl)acetoacetyl aluminate (KA 322) and KA 489. 
     In addition to the above, certain polymers, such as, cross-linked vinylic polymers, e.g., divinylbenzene, divinyl pyridine or a sizing of any of the disclosed thermosetting matrix adhesives that are first applied at very high dilution (0.1 up to 1.0% solution in MEK) can be used. Also, certain organic peroxides, such as, dicumylperoxide can be reacted with the fillers. 
     The adhesive itself may be a thermoset or thermoplastic and can include polyglycidyl ether, polycyanurate, polyisocyanate, bis-triazine resins, poly(bis-maleimide), norbornene-terminated polyimide, polynorbornene, acetylene-terminated polyimide, polybutadiene and functionalized copolymers thereof, cyclic olefinic polycyclobutene, polysiloxanes, poly sisqualoxane, functionalized polyphenylene ether, polyacrylate, novolak polymers and copolymers, fluoropolymers and copolymers, melamine polymers and copolymers, poly(bis phenycyclobutane), and blends or prepolymers thereof. It should be understood that the aforementioned adhesives may themselves be blended together or blended with other polymers or additives, so as to impact flame retardancy or enhanced toughness. 
     As used herein, mean flow pore size and minimum pore size were determined using the Coulter® Porometer II (Coulter Electronics Ltd., Luton UK) which reports the value directly. Average particle size and largest particle size were determined using a Microtrak® light scattering particle size analyzer Model No. FRA (Microtrak Division of Leeds &amp; Northup, North Wales, Pa., U.S.A.). The average particle size (APS) is defined as the value at which 50% of the particles are larger. The largest particle size (LPS) is defined as the largest detectable particle on a Microtrak® histogram. Alternatively, the largest particle size is defined at the minimum point when the Microtrak® Model FRA Particle Analyzer device determines that 100% of the particulate have passed. 
     In general, the method for preparing the adhesive-filler dielectric involves: (a) expanding a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet by stretching a lubricated extruded perform to a microstructure sufficient to allow small particles and adhesives to free flow into the void or pore volume; (b) forming a paste from polymeric, e.g., thermoset or thermoplastic material and a filler; and (c) imbibing by dipping, coating, pressure feeding, the adhesive-filler paste into the highly porous scaffold, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     To prepare the filled adhesive film of this invention, particulate filler is mixed into a solvent or aqueous solution or molten adhesive to afford a finely dispersed mixture. The filler in small particle form is ordinarily less than 40 microns in size, and preferably has an average particulate size between 1 and 10 microns. 
     Table 1 shows the effect of the relationship of the substrate mean flow pore size (MFPS) and particulate size. When the ratio of the mean flow pore size (MFPS) to largest particulate is 1.4 or less, poor results are observed. In this case, a homogeneous composite is not observed, and most of the particulate filler does not uniformly penetrate the microporous substrate. When the ratio of the MFPS to largest particulate is greater than about 2.0, then a uniform composite is obtained. It is also observed that the larger the ratio of MFPS to largest particulate, the greater the relative case it is to imbibe a homogeneous dispersion into the microporous substrate. 
     
                       TABLE 1                                                     
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     Substrate  Particle                                                  
     Pore Size  Size      MFPS  Pore.sub.Min                              
                                      Pore.sub.Min                        
     Min    MFPS    Avg  Max  +     +     +     Re-                       
Desc.                                                                     
     (μm)                                                              
            (μm) (μm)                                               
                         (μm)                                          
                              Part.sub.Avg                                
                                    Part.sub.Max                          
                                          Part.sub.Avg                    
                                                sult                      
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A    4      7       5    10   1.4   0.4   0.8   Poor                      
B    4      5       5    10   1.0   0.4   0.8   Poor                      
C    --     58      5    10   12.4  --    --    Good                      
D    18     32      6    10   5.3   1.8   3.0   Good                      
E    18     32      1    1    32.0  18.0  18    Good                      
F    17     24      6    10   4.0   1.7   2.8   Good                      
G    0.2    0.4     0.5  1.6  0.8   0.125 0.4   Poor                      
H    --     60      18   30   3.3   --    --    Good                      
I    14     19      0.5  1.6  38    8.8   28    Good                      
J    14     29      4    8    7.3   1.8   3.5   Good                      
K    14     29      5    10   5.8   1.4   2.8   Good                      
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     EXAMPLE 1 
     A fine dispersion was prepared by mixing 281.6 g TiO 2  (TI Pure R-900, Du Pont Company) into a 20% (w/w) solution of a flame retarded dicyanamide/2-methylimidazole catalyzed bisphenol-A based polyglycidyl ether (Nelco N-4002-5, Nelco Corp.) in MEK. The dispersion was constantly agitated so as to insure uniformity. A swatch of expanded PTFE was then dipped into the resin mixture. The web was dried at 165° C. for 1 min. under tension to afford a flexible composite. The partially-cured adhesive composite thus produced comprised of 57 weight percent TiO 2 , 13 weight percent PTFE and weight percent epoxy adhesive. Several plies of the adhesive sheet were laid up between copper foil and pressed at 600 psi in a vacuum-assisted hydraulic press at temperature of 225° C. for 90 min. then cooled under pressure. This resulted in a copper laminate having dielectric constant of 19.0, and withstood a 30 sec. solder shock at 280° C. at an average ply thickness of 100 mm (0.0039&#34; (3.9 mil)) dielectric laminate thickness. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     A fine dispersion was prepared by mixing 386 g SiO 2  (HW-11-89, Harbison Walker Corp.) which was pretreated with phenyltrimethoxysilane (04330, Huls/Petrarch) into a manganese catalyzed solution of 200 g bismaleimide triazine resin (BT206OBJ, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical) and 388 g MEK. The dispersion was constantly agitated so as to insure uniformity. A swatch of 0.0002&#34; thick expanded PTFE was then dipped into the resin mixture, removed, and then dried at 165° C. for 1 min. under tension to afford a flexible composite. Several plies of this prepreg were laid up between copper foil and pressed at 250 psi in a vacuum-assisted hydraulic press at temperature of 225° C. for 90 min. then cooled under pressure. This resulting dielectric thus produced comprised of 53 weight percent SiO 2 , 5 weight percent PTFE and 42 weight percent adhesive, displayed good adhesion to copper, dielectric constant (at 10 GHz) of 3.3 and dissipation factor (at 10 GHz) of 0.005. 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     A fine dispersion was prepared by mixing 483 g SiO 2  (HW-11-89) into a manganese-catalyzed solution of 274.7 g bismaleimide triazine resin (BT206OBJ, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical) and 485 g MEK. The dispersion was constantly agitated so as to insure uniformity. A swatch of 0.0002&#34; thick expanded PTFE was then dipped into the resin mixture, removed, and then dried at 165° C. for 1 min. under tension to afford a flexible composite. Several plies of this prepreg were laid up between copper foil and pressed at 250 psi in a vacuum-assisted hydraulic press at temperature of 225° C. for 90 minutes then cooled under pressure. The resulting dielectric thus produced comprised of 57 weight percent SiO 2 , 4 weight percent PTFE and 39 weight percent adhesive, displayed good adhesion to copper, dielectric constant (at 10 GHz) of 3.2 and dissipation factor (at 10 GHz) of 0.005. 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     A fine dispersion was prepared by mixing 15.44 kg TiO 2  powder (TI Pure R-900, DuPont Company) into a manganese-catalyzed solution of 3.30 kg bismaleimide triazine resin (BT206OBJ, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical) and 15.38 kg MEK. The dispersion was constantly agitated so as to insure uniformity. A swatch of 0.0004&#34; TiO 2  -filled expanded PTFE (filled according to the teachings of Mortimer U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,296, except to 40% loading of TiO 2  and the membrane was not compressed at the end) was then dipped into the resin mixture, removed, and then dried at 165° C. for 1 min. under tension to afford a flexible composite. The partially cured adhesive composite thus produced comprised of 70 weight percent TiO 2 , 9 weight percent PTFE and 21 weight percent adhesive. Several plies of this prepreg were laid up between copper foil and pressed at 500 psi in a vacuum-assisted hydraulic press at temperature of 220° C. for 90 minutes then cooled under pressure. This resulting dielectric displayed good adhesion to copper, dielectric constant of 10.0 and dissipation factor of 0.008. 
     EXAMPLE 5 
     A fine dispersion was prepared by mixing 7.35 kg SiO 2  (ADMATECHS SO-E2, Tatsumori LTD) with 7.35 kg MEK and 73.5 g of coupling agent, i.e., 3-glycidyloxypropyltri-methoxysilane (Dynasylan GLYMO (Petrach Systems). SO-E2 is described by the manufacture as having highly spherical silica having a particle diameter of 0.4 to 0.6 mm, a specific surface area of 4-8 m 2  /g, a bulk density of 0.2-0.4 g/cc (loose). 
     To this dispersion was added 932 g of a 50% (w/w) solution of a cyanated phenolic resin, Primaset PT-30 (Lonza Corp.). In (MEK) methylethylketone, 896 g of a 50% (w/w) solution of RSL 1462 (Shell Resins, Inc. (CAS #25068-38-6)) in MEK, 380 g of a 50% (w/w) solution of BC-58 (Great Lakes, Inc.) in MEK, 54 g of 50% solution of bisphenol A (Aldrich Company) in MEK, 12.6 g Irganox 1010 (Ciba Geigy), 3.1 g of a 0.6% solution of Manganese 2-ethylhexanoate (Mn HEX-CEM (OMG Ltd.), and 2.40 kg MEK. This dispersion was subjected to ultrasonic agitation through a Misonics continuous flow cell for about 20 minutes at a rate of about 1-3 gal./minute. The fine dispersion thus obtained was further diluted to an overall bath concentration of 11.9% solids (w/w). 
     The fine dispersion was poured into an impregnation bath. An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene web having the node fibril structure of FIG. 2, and having the following properties was used: 
     
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Frazier               20.55                                               
Coverage              9 g/m.sup.2                                         
Ball Burst            3.2 lbs.                                            
Thickness             6.5 mil.                                            
Mean Flow Pore Size   9.0 microns                                         
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     The Frazier number relates to the air permeability of the material being assayed. Air permeability is measured by clamping the web in a gasketed fixture which is provided in circular area of approximately 6 square inches for air flow measurement. The upstream side was connected to a flow meter in line with a source of dry compressed air. The downstream side of the sample fixture was open to the atmosphere. Testing is accomplished by applying a pressure of 0.5 inches of water to the upstream side of the sample and recording the flow rate of the air passing through the in-line flowmeter (a ball-float rotameter that was connected to a flow meter. 
     The Ball Burst Strength is a test that measures the relative strength of samples by determining the maximum at break. The web is challenged with a 1 inch diameter ball while being clamped between two plates. The Chatillon, Force Gauge Ball/Burst Test was used. The media is placed taut in the measuring device and pressure affixed by raising the web into contact with the ball of the burst probe. Pressure at break is recorded. The web described above was passed through a constantly agitated impregnation bath at a speed at or about 3 ft./min, so as to insure uniformity. The impregnated web is immediately passed through a heated oven to remove all or nearly all the solvent, and is collected on a roll. 
     Several plies of this prepeg were laid up between copper foil and pressed at 200 psi in a vacuum-assisted hydraulic press at temperature of 220° C. for 90 minutes and then cooled under pressure. This resulting dielectric displayed good adhesion to copper, dielectric constant (10 GHz) of 3.0 and dissipation factor of 0.0085 (10 GHz). 
     The physical properties of the particulate filler used in Example 2 and Example 5 are compared below. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
              Tatsumori                                                   
Property      (ADMATECHS) Harbison Walker                                 
______________________________________                                    
Manufacture Technique                                                     
              Vapor Metal Amorphous Fused Silica                          
              Combustion                                                  
Designation   Silica SO-E2                                                
                          HW-11-89                                        
Median Particle Size                                                      
              0.5 micron  5 micron                                        
Shape         Spherical   Irregular, jagged                               
Surface Area  6-10 m.sup.2 /g                                             
                          10 m.sup.2 /g                                   
Bulk Density  0.47 g/cc   1.12 g/cc                                       
Specific Density                                                          
              2.26 g/cc   2.16 g/cc                                       
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     EXAMPLE 6 
     An ePTFE matrix containing an impregnated adhesive filler mixture, based on SiO 2  prepared from the vapor combustion of molten silicon is prepared as follows. Two precursor mixtures were initially prepared. One being in the form of a slurry containing a silane treated silica similar to that of Example 5 and the other an uncatalyzed blend of the resin and other components. 
     Mixture I 
     The silica slurry is a 50/50 blend of the SO-E2 silica of Example 5 in MEK, where the silica contains a coated of silane which is equal to 1% of the silica weight. To a five gallon container, 17.5 pounds of MEK and 79 grams of silane were added and the two components mixed to ensure uniform dispersion of the silane in the MEK. Then, 17.5 pounds of the silica of Example 5 were added. Two five gallon containers of the MEK-silica-silane mixture were added to a reaction vessel, and the contents, i.e., the slurry, was recirculated through an ultrasonic disperser for approximately one hour to break up any silica agglomerates that may be present. The sonication was completed and the contents of the reaction vessel were heated to approximately 80° C. for approximately one hour, while the contents were continuously mixed. The reacted mixture was then transferred into a ten gallon container. 
     Mixture II 
     The desired resin blend product is an MEK based mixture containing an uncatalyzed resin blend (the adhesive) contains approximately 60% solids, where the solid portion is an exact mixture of 41.2% PT-30 cyanated phenolic resin, 39.5% RSL 1462 epoxy resin, 16.7% BC58 flame retardant, 1.5% Irganox 1010 stabilizer, and 1% bisphenol A co-catalyst, all percentages by weight. 
     Into a ten gallon container, 14.8 pounds of PT-30 and 15-20 pounds of MEK were added and stirred vigorously to completely solvate the PT-30. Then 6 pounds of BC58 were measured and added to the MEK/PT-30 solution and vigorously agitated to solvate the BC58. The stabilizer, 244.5 grams of Irganox 1010 and bisphenol A, 163 grams were added. The ten gallon container was reweighed and 14.22 pounds of RSL 1462 were added. Additional MEK was added to bring the mixture weight to 60 pounds. The contents were then vigorously agitated for approximately 1 to 2 hours, or as long is necessary to completely dissolve the solid components. 
     The desired product is a mixture of the silica treated with a silane, the uncatalyzed resin blend, and MEK in which 68% by weight of the solids are silica, and the total solids are between 5% and 50% by weight of the mixture. The exact solids concentration varies from run to run, and depends in part on the membrane to be impregnated. The catalyst level is 10 ppm relative to the sum of the PT-30 and RSL1462. 
     The solid contents of mixtures I and II were determined to verify the accuracy of the precursors and compensate for any solvent flash that had occurred. Then mixture I was added to a ten gallon container to provide 12 pounds of solids, e.g., 515 solids content, 23.48 pounds of mixture I. Then mixture II was added to the container to provide 5.64 pounds of solids, e.g., 59.6% solids, 9.46 pounds of mixture II, the manganese catalyst solution (0.6% in mineral spirits), 3.45 grams, was added to the mixture of mixture I and mixture II and blended thoroughly to form a high solids content mixture. 
     The bath mixture for impregnating an ePTFE matrix, 28% solids mixture, was prepared by adding sufficient MEK to the high solids content mixture to a total weight of 63 pounds. 
     Thereafter, an ePTFE matrix was impregnated with this bath mixture to form a dielectric material. 
     EXAMPLE 7 
     A fine dispersion was prepared by mixing 26.8 grams Furnace Black (Special Schwarz 100, Degussa Corp., Ridgefield Park, N.J.) and 79 grams of coupling agent (Dynaslan GLYMO CAS #2530-83-8; 3-glycidyloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (Petrach Systems). The dispersion was subjected to ultrasonic agitation for 1 minute, then added to a stirring dispersion of 17.5 pounds SiO 2  (SO-E2) in 17.5 pounds MEK which had previously been ultrasonically agitated. The final dispersion was heated with constant overhead mixing for 1 hour at reflux, then allowed to cool to room temperature. 
     Separately, an adhesive varnish was prepared by adding the following: 3413 grams of a 57.5% (w/w) mixture of Primaset PT-30 in MEK, 2456 grams of a 76.8% (w/w/) mixture of RSL 1462 in MEK, 1495 grams of a 53.2% (w/w) solution of BC58 (Great Lakes, Inc.) in MEK, 200 grams of 23.9% (w/w) solution of bisphenol A (Aldrich Company) in MEK, 71.5 grams Irganox 1010, 3.21 grams of a 0.6% (w/w) solution of Mu HEX-CEM (OMG Ltd.) in mineral spirits, and 2.40 kg MEK. 
     In a separate container, 3739 grams of the dispersion described above was added, along with 0.0233 grams of Furnace Black (Special Schwarz 100, Degussa Corp., Ridgefield Park, N.J.), 1328 of the adhesive varnish described above and 38.3 pounds MEK. This mixture was poured into an impregnation bath, and an ePTFE web was passed through the impregnation bath at a speed at or about 3 ft/min. This dispersion was constantly agitated so as to insure uniformity. The impregnated web is immediately passed through a heated oven to remove all or nearly all the solvent, and is collected on a roll. 
     Several piles of this prepeg were laid up between copper foil and pressed at 200 psi in a vacuum-assisted hydraulic press at temperatures of 200° C. for 90 minutes then cooled under pressure. This resulting dielectric displayed good adhesion to copper. 
     EXAMPLE 8 
     An adhesive varnish was prepared by adding the following: 3413 grams of a 57.5% (w/w) solution of Primaset PT-30 (PMN P-88-1591)) in MEK, 2456 grams of a 76.8% (w/w) solution of RSL 1462 in MEK, 1495 grams of a 53.2% (w/w) solution of BC58 (Great Lakes, Inc.) in MEK, 200 grams of 23.9% (w/w) solution of bisphenol A (Aldrich Company) in MEK, 71.5 grams Irganox 1010, 3.21 grams of a 0.6% (w/w) solution of Mn HEX-CEM in mineral spirits, and 2.40 kg MEK. 
     In a separate container, 1328 grams of the adhesive varnish described above, 42.3 pounds MEK, 6.40 grams of Furnace Black (Special Schwarz 100, Degussa Corp., Ridgefield, N.J.) and 1860.9 grams SiO 2  (SO-E2). This mixture was poured into an impregnation bath, and an ePTFE web was passed through the impregnation bath at a speed at or about 3 ft/min. The dispersion was constantly agitated so as to insure uniformity. The impregnated web is immediately passed through a heated oven to remove all or nearly all the solvent, and is collected on a roll. 
     Several piles of this prepeg were laid up between copper foil and pressed at 200 psi in a vacuum-assisted hydraulic press at temperature of 220° C. for 90 minutes then cooled under pressure. This resulting dielectric displayed good adhesion to copper. 
     While the present invention has been described in connection with the illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated and understood that modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.