Case 123 ยท Public preview
Inadequate Copper Oxide Treatment Can Cause Internal PWB Delamination
Bare and populated boards from one manufacturing population showed extensive delamination, exposed copper, and surface contamination.
Visual inspectionMicrosectioningMetallographic etchingSEMEDSBare/populated comparison
What the evidence preview establishes
Delamination occurred between an internal copper plane and B-stage laminate because the copper surface lacked an effective adhesion-promoting oxide treatment. Bromine enrichment at the opposing laminate surface may have further reduced bond strength.
Why this case matters
When both bare and assembled boards delaminate at one internal plane, examine the two mating fracture surfaces. Surface chemistry can distinguish a lamination-process defect from damage introduced during assembly.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.