Method of manufacturing grooved chemical mechanical polishing layers

The present invention relates generally to the field of manufacture of polishing layers. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing grooved polishing layers for use in chemical mechanical polishing pads.

In the fabrication of integrated circuits and other electronic devices, multiple layers of conducting, semiconducting and dielectric materials are deposited on or removed from a surface of a semiconductor wafer. Thin layers of conducting, semiconducting, and dielectric materials may be deposited by a number of deposition techniques. Common deposition techniques in modern processing include physical vapor deposition (PVD), also known as sputtering, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and electrochemical plating (ECP).

As layers of materials are sequentially deposited and removed, the uppermost surface of the wafer becomes non-planar. Because subsequent semiconductor processing (e.g., metallization) requires the wafer to have a flat surface, the wafer needs to be planarized. Planarization is useful in removing undesired surface topography and surface defects, such as rough surfaces, agglomerated materials, crystal lattice damage, scratches, and contaminated layers or materials.

Chemical mechanical planarization, or chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), is a common technique used to planarize substrates, such as semiconductor wafers. In conventional CMP, a wafer is mounted on a carrier assembly and positioned in contact with a polishing pad in a CMP apparatus. The carrier assembly provides a controllable pressure to the wafer, pressing it against the polishing pad. The pad is moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the wafer by an external driving force. Simultaneously therewith, a chemical composition (“slurry”) or other polishing solution is provided between the wafer and the polishing pad. Thus, the wafer surface is polished and made planar by the chemical and mechanical action of the pad surface and slurry.

Polishing layers used in chemical mechanical polishing pads typically have a polishing surface with one or more grooves. There are several reasons for incorporating grooves in the polishing surface of a chemical mechanical polishing pad, including: (A) to provide the necessary hydrodynamic state of the contact between the substrate being polished and the polishing pad—(if the polishing pad is either ungrooved or unperforated, a continuous layer of polishing medium can exist between the substrate and the polishing pad causing hydroplaning, which prevents uniform intimate contact between the polishing pad and the substrate and significantly reduces the substrate material removal rate); (B) to ensure that the polishing medium is uniformly distributed across the polishing surface of the polishing pad and that sufficient polishing medium reaches the center of the substrate—(this is especially important when polishing reactive metals such as copper, in which the chemical component of the polishing is as critical as the mechanical component; uniform polishing medium distribution across the substrate is required to achieve the same polishing rate at the center and edge of the substrate; however, the thickness of the polishing medium layer should not be so great as to prevent direct contact between the polishing pad and the substrate); (C) to control both the overall and localized stiffness of the polishing pad—(this controls polishing uniformity across the substrate surface and also the ability of the polishing pad to level substrate features of different heights to give a highly planar surface); and (D) to act as channels for the removal of polishing debris from the polishing pad surface—(a build-up of debris increases the likelihood of substrate scratches and other defects).

One particularly common groove pattern that is used for many polishing applications combines curved grooves with a plurality of linear grooves forming an XY pattern (e.g., a plurality of concentric, circular grooves with a plurality of linear grooves forming an XY pattern). Conventional techniques for preparing polishing pads with such groove combinations; however, often result in the generation of stringer defects (see FIG. 9). Moreover, making matters worse, there are three trends in the marketplace that make the generation of stringer defects more of a concern. First, there is a desire to increase the useful lifetime of polishing pads by increasing the depth of the grooves. Second, there is a desire to increase the size of the polishing pads with current large format polishing pads having a diameter of greater than 100 cm. Finally, there is a desire to provide polishing pads made from increasingly lower modulus polymers to provide for improved polishing defectivity performance. Each of these trends tend to increase the potential for the generation of stringer defects during polishing pad manufacture.

Reinhardt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,362, discloses an exemplary polishing layer known in the art. The polishing layer of Reinhardt comprises a polymeric matrix having microspheres dispersed throughout. Generally, the microspheres are blended and mixed with a liquid polymeric material and transferred to a mold for curing. Conventional wisdom in the art is to minimize perturbations imparted to the contents of the mold cavity during the transferring process. To accomplish this result, the location of the nozzle opening through which the curable material is added to the mold cavity is conventionally maintained centrally relative to the cross section of the mold cavity and as stationary as possible relative to the top surface of the curable material as it collects in the mold cavity. Accordingly, the location of the nozzle opening conventionally moves only in one dimension to maintain a set elevation above the top surface of the curable material in the mold cavity throughout the transferring process. The molded article is then sliced to form polishing layers using a skiver blade, periodically dressed with an abrasive stone. Unfortunately, polishing layers formed in this manner may exhibit unwanted defects (e.g., density defects and uneven, scored surfaces).

Density defects are manifested as variations in the bulk density of the polishing layer material. In other words, areas having a lower filler concentration (e.g., microspheres in the Reinhardt polishing layers). Density defects are undesirable because it is believed that they may cause unpredictable, and perhaps detrimental, polishing performance variations from one polishing layer to the next and within a single polishing layer over its useful lifetime.

The manufacture of polishing layers that exhibit ultra flat polishing surfaces is becoming increasingly desirable.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods of manufacturing polishing layers for chemical mechanical polishing pads, wherein the formation of undesirable density defects are further minimized or eliminated, wherein the surface roughness of the polishing surface of the polishing layer is minimized, and wherein the generation of stringer defects is minimized.

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a polishing layer with a grooved polishing surface for use in a chemical mechanical polishing pad; wherein the method comprises: providing a polishing layer with an ungrooved polishing surface by: providing a mold, having a mold base and a surrounding wall attached to the mold base; providing a liner with a top surface, a bottom surface and an average thickness of 2 to 10 cm; providing an adhesive; providing a curable material comprising a liquid prepolymer and a plurality of microelements; providing a nozzle, having a nozzle opening; providing a skiver blade with a cutting edge; providing a strop; providing a stropping compound; bonding the bottom surface of the liner to the mold base using the adhesive, wherein the top surface of the liner and the surrounding wall define a mold cavity; wherein the top surface of the liner defines a horizontal internal boundary of the mold cavity, wherein the internal horizontal boundary of the mold is oriented along an x-y plane, wherein the mold cavity has a central axis, C_axis, that is perpendicular to the x-y plane, and wherein the mold cavity has a doughnut hole region and a doughnut region; charging the curable material through the nozzle opening to the mold cavity during a charging period, CP; wherein the charging period, CP, is broken down into three separate phases identified as an initial phase, a transition phase and a remainder phase; wherein the nozzle opening has a location and wherein the location of the nozzle opening moves relative to mold base along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, during the charging period, CP, to maintain the location of the nozzle opening above a top surface of the curable material in the mold cavity as the curable material collects in the mold cavity; wherein the location of the nozzle opening resides within the doughnut hole region throughout the initial phase; wherein the location of the nozzle opening transitions from residing within the doughnut hole region to residing within the doughnut region during the transition phase; and, wherein the location of the nozzle opening resides within the doughnut region during the remainder phase; wherein the mold cavity approximates a right cylindrically shaped region having a substantially circular cross section, C_x-sect; wherein the mold cavity has an axis of symmetry, C_x-sym, which coincides with the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis; wherein the right cylindrically shaped region has a cross sectional area, C_x-area, defined as follows:

C_x-area=πr_C²,

wherein r_Cis the average radius of the mold cavity's cross sectional area, C_x-area, projected onto the x-y plane; wherein the doughnut hole region is a right cylindrically shaped region within the mold cavity that projects a circular cross section, DH_x-sect, onto the x-y plane and has an axis of symmetry, DH_axis; wherein the doughnut hole has a cross sectional area, DH_x-area, defined as follows:

DH_x-area=πr_DH²,

wherein r_DHis a radius of the doughnut hole region's circular cross section, DH_x-sect; wherein the doughnut region is a toroid shaped region within the mold cavity that projects an annular cross section, D_x-sect, onto the x-y plane and that has a doughnut region axis of symmetry, D_axis; wherein the annular cross section, D_x-sect, has a cross sectional area, D_x-area, defined as follows:

D
_x-area
=πR
_D
²
−πr
_D
²

wherein R_Dis a larger radius of the doughnut region's annular cross section, D_x-sect; wherein r_Dis a smaller radius of the doughnut region's annular cross section, D_x-sect; wherein r_D≧r_DH; wherein R_D>r_D; wherein R_D<r_C.; wherein each of the C_x-sym, the DH_axisand the D_axisare perpendicular to the x-y plane; allowing the curable material in the mold cavity to cure into a cake; separating the surrounding wall from the mold base and the cake; applying the stropping compound to the cutting edge; stropping the skiver blade with the strop; and, slicing the cake to provide the polishing layer with an ungrooved polishing surface using the skiver blade; first machining at least one curved groove into the ungrooved polishing surface; and, then machining a plurality of linear grooves in an XY grid pattern into the polishing surface to produce the polishing layer with a grooved polishing surface; wherein the plurality of linear grooves are machined by a step down process, wherein a groove cutting tool makes multiple successive cutting passes to form each linear groove, and, wherein each successive cutting pass increases the depth of the linear groove being formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a side elevation view of a mold.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of a perspective top/side view of a mold having a mold cavity with a substantially circular cross section.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of a perspective top/side view of a mold having a mold cavity with a substantially circular cross section depicting a doughnut hole region and a doughnut region within the mold cavity.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of a top plan view of the doughnut hole and doughnut region depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a depiction of a perspective top/side view of a mold cavity having a substantially circular cross section with a nozzle disposed within the mold cavity, wherein the mold cavity is partially filled with a curable material.

FIG. 5B is a depiction of a side elevation view of the mold cavity depicted in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a depiction of a perspective top/side view of a mold cavity having a substantially circular cross section with a doughnut hole region and a doughnut region and depicting multiple exemplary initial phase and transition phase paths.

FIG. 6B is a depiction of a side elevation view of the mold cavity depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a depiction of a top plan view of the mold cavity depicted in FIG. 6A showing the projections onto the x-y plane of the initial phase and transition phase paths depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a depiction of a perspective top/side view of a mold cavity having a substantially circular cross section with a doughnut hole region and a doughnut region and depicting an exemplary remainder phase path.

FIG. 7B is a depiction of a side elevation view of the mold cavity depicted in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a depiction of a top plan view of the mold cavity depicted in FIG. 7A showing the projection onto the x-y plane of the remainder phase path depicted in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a depiction of a plan view of a nozzle opening, wherein the nozzle opening is circular.

FIG. 8B is a depiction of a plan view of a nozzle opening, wherein the nozzle opening is non-circular.

FIG. 9 is a depiction of a top down view of a portion of a polishing surface of a polishing layer, 225, with a stringer defect, 250.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Surprisingly, it has been found that in the manufacture of polishing layers for chemical mechanical polishing pads, wherein the polishing layer has a polishing surface with at least one curved groove and a plurality of linear grooves forming an XY pattern; that machining linear grooves into a polishing surface with at least one previously machined curved groove using a step down process (wherein a groove cutting tool makes multiple successive cutting passes to form each linear groove, wherein each successive cutting pass increases the depth of the linear groove being formed) results in a reduction in the formation of stringer defects when compared to polishing layers produced using the same process except that the plurality of linear grooves are machined using a single pass, full depth cutting technique.

It has been surprisingly found that the preferred method of providing the polishing layers with an ungrooved polishing surface of the present invention, involving movement of the location of the nozzle opening through which a curable material is charged into a mold cavity in three dimensions both along and about a central axis, C_axis, of the mold cavity while charging the curable material into the mold cavity, significantly reduces the occurrence of density defects in the polishing layers produced relative to those produced by an identical process, wherein the location of the nozzle opening moves in only one dimension along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis. It has also been found that this preferred method of providing polishing layers with an ungrooved polishing surface of the method of the present invention results in an ungrooved polishing surface with a decreased surface roughness compared to polishing layers produced using the same process except that throughout the charging period, CP, the location of the nozzle opening moves in only one dimension along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis(i.e., to maintain the location of the nozzle opening at a set elevation above the top surface of the curable material as it collects in the mold cavity) and the skiver blade is stone sharpened rather than stropped before cake skiving. It has been discovered that the cutting edge of the skiver blade becomes almost imperceptibly distorted and wavy after skiving a cake into a plurality of ungrooved polishing layers. It is believed that the prior art approach to sharpening the cutting edge with a stone results in the removal of material from the wavy portions of the cutting edge to provide a flat honed surface, but at the cost of varying tensile properties of the cutting edge across the length of the skiver blade; resulting in a non-uniformity in its cutting properties and an increased surface roughness in the ungrooved polishing layers produced therewith. It has been surprisingly found that stropping of the cutting edge facilitates both the flattening and the honing of the wavy portions of the cutting edge, while maintaining a more consistent cutting edge across the length of the skiver blade; resulting in a significant reduction in the surface roughness of the ungrooved polishing layers produced therewith. It is believed that a decreased surface roughness of the polishing surface facilitates improved polishing defectivity performance during subsequent use of the chemical mechanical polishing pad containing the polishing layer.

The term “surface roughness” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the roughness of the polishing surface of an ungrooved polishing layer as determined using a profilometer, for example, a Zeiss Surfcom profilometer using the following parameter settings: measurement type—Gaussian; tilt—straight; tilt correction—least square; measurement length—0.6 inch (15.24 mm); cutoff wavelength—0.1 inch (2.54 mm); measurement speed—0.24 inch/s (6.1 mm/s); and, cutoff filter ratio—300.

The term “charging period or CP” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the period of time (in seconds) over which curable material is charged into the mold cavity starting at the moment when the first of the curable material is introduced into the mold cavity until the moment when the last of the curable material is introduced into the mold cavity.

The term “charging rate or CR” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the mass flow rate (in kg/sec) at which the curable material is charged to the mold cavity during the charging period, CP, (in seconds).

The term “initial phase starting point or SP_IP” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the location of the nozzle opening at the start of the initial phase of the charging period, which coincides with the start of the charging period.

The term “initial phase ending point or EP_IP” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the location of the nozzle opening at the end of the initial phase of the charging period, which immediately precedes the start of the transition phase of the charging period.

The term “initial phase path” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the path of movement (if any) of the location of the nozzle opening during the initial phase of the charge period from the initial phase starting point, SP_IP, to the initial phase ending point, EP_IP.

The term “transition phase starting point or SP_TP” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the location of the nozzle opening at the start of the transition phase of the charging period. The transition phase starting point, SP_TP, and the initial phase ending point, EP_IP, are at the same location.

The term “transition phase transition point(s) or TP_TP” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the location(s) of the nozzle opening during the transition phase of the charging period at which the direction of movement of the location of the nozzle opening relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, changes (i.e., the direction of movement in the x and y dimensions).

The term “transition phase ending point or EP_TP” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the first location of the nozzle opening within the doughnut region of a mold cavity at which the direction of movement of the location of the nozzle opening relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, changes. The transition phase ending point, EP_TP, is also the location of the nozzle opening at the end of the transition phase of the charging period, which immediately precedes the remainder phase of the charging period.

The term “transition phase path” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the path taken by the location of the nozzle opening during the transition phase of the charging period from the transition phase starting point, SP_TP, to the transition phase ending point, EP_TP.

The term “remainder phase starting point or SP_RP” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the location of the nozzle opening at the start of the remainder phase of the charging period. The remainder phase starting point, SP_RP, and the transition phase ending point, EP_TP, are at the same location.

The term “remainder phase transition points or TP_RP” as used herein and in the appended claims refer to the locations of the nozzle opening during the remainder phase of the charging period at which the direction of movement of the location of the nozzle opening relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, changes.

The term “remainder phase ending point or EP_RP” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the location of the nozzle opening at the end of the remainder phase of the charging period, which coincides with the end of the charging period.

The term “remainder phase path” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the path taken by the location of the nozzle opening during the remainder phase of the charging period from the remainder phase starting point, SP_RP, to the remainder phase ending point, EP_RP.

The term “poly(urethane)” as used herein and in the appended claims encompasses products derived from the reaction of difunctional or polyfunctional isocyanates (including isocyanate-terminated prepolymers) with compounds containing active—hydrogen groups, including but not limited to polyols, diols, amines, water or combinations thereof. Examples of such reaction products include but are not limited to polyurethanes, polyureas, polyurethaneureas, poyetherurethanes, polyesterurethanes, polyetherureas, polyesterureas, polyisocyanurates, copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof.

The term “substantially non-porous” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to the liner, means that the liner contains ≦5% porosity by volume.

The term “essentially constant” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to the charging rate of curable material during the charging period means that the following expressions are both satisfied:

CR_max≦(1.1*CR_avg)

CR_min≧(0.9*CR_avg)

wherein CR_maxis the maximum mass flow rate (in kg/sec) at which the curable material is charged to the mold cavity during the charging period; wherein CR_minis the minimum mass flow rate (in kg/sec) at which the curable material is charged to the mold cavity during the charging period; and wherein CR_avgthe total mass (in kg) of curable material charged to the mold cavity over the charging period divided by the length of the charging period (in seconds).

The term “gel time” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to a curable material means the total cure time for that mixture as determined using a standard test method according to ASTM D3795-00a (Reapproved 2006)(Standard Test Method for Thermal Flow, Cure, and Behavior Properties of Pourable Thermosetting Materials by Torque Rheometer).

The term “substantially circular” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to a groove means that the longest diameter of the groove is ≦20% longer than the shortest diameter of the groove.

The term “substantially circular cross section” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to a mold cavity (20) means that the longest radius, r_C, of the mold cavity (20) projected onto the x-y plane (30) from the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (22) to a vertical internal boundary (18) of a surrounding wall (15) is ≦20% longer than the shortest radius, r_C, of the mold cavity (20) projected onto the x-y plane (30) from the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (22) to the vertical internal boundary (18). (See FIG. 2).

The term “mold cavity” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the volume defined by a horizontal internal boundary (14) corresponding to a top surface (6,12) of a liner (4) and a vertical internal boundary (18) of a surrounding wall (15). (See FIGS. 1-3).

The term “substantially coincides” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to an axis of symmetry of a curved groove in relation to an axis of symmetry of a polishing layer in the plane of the polishing surface, means that the axis of symmetry of the curved groove falls within a circular area in the plane of the polishing surface having the axis of symmetry of the polishing layer at the center and having a radius equal to 10% of the longest radius of the polishing layer in the plane of the polishing surface.

The term “substantially perpendicular” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to a first feature (e.g., a horizontal internal boundary; a vertical internal boundary) relative to a second feature (e.g., an axis, an x-y plane) means that the first feature is at an angle of 80 to 100° to the second feature.

The term “essentially perpendicular” as used herein and in the appended claims in reference to a first feature (e.g., a horizontal internal boundary; a vertical internal boundary) relative to a second feature (e.g., an axis, an x-y plane) means that the first feature is at an angle of 85 to 95° to the second feature.

The term “density defect” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to a region in a polishing layer having a significantly reduced filler concentration relative to the rest of the polishing layer. Density defects are visually detectable with the unaided human eye upon placing the polishing layer on a light table, wherein the density defects appear as regions having a markedly higher transparency compared with the rest of the polishing layer.

The term “nozzle opening radius or r_NO” used herein and in the appended claims in reference to a nozzle opening means the radius, r_SC, of the smallest circle, SC, that can completely occlude the nozzle opening. That is, r_NO=r_SC. For illustrative purposes, see FIGS. 8A-8B. FIG. 8A is a depiction of a plan view of a nozzle opening (62a) completely occluded by a smallest circle, SC, (63a) having a radius, r_SC, (64a); wherein the nozzle opening is circular. FIG. 8B is a depiction of a plan view of a nozzle opening (62b) completely occluded by a smallest circle, SC, (63b) having a radius, r_SC, (64b); wherein the nozzle opening is non-circular. Preferably, r_NOis 5 to 13 mm. More preferably r_NOis 8 to 10 mm.

The polishing layer with an ungrooved polishing surface used in the method of the present invention is preferably provided from a cake prepared using a mold (1) having a mold base (2) and a surrounding wall (8) attached to the mold base (2); wherein a liner (4) with a top surface (6), a bottom surface (3) and an average thickness (5), t_L, is bonded to the mold base (2) using an adhesive (7) interposed between the bottom surface (3) of the liner (4) and the mold base (2). (See FIG. 1).

The liner (4) facilitates the mating of a curable material as it reacts to form a solidified cake, wherein the curable material bonds to the liner (4) with sufficient strength so that the cured cake does not delaminate from the liner during skiving. Preferably, the liner (4) used is periodically removed from the mold base (2) and replaced. The liner (4) used can be any material to which the curable material will bond upon curing. Preferably, the liner (4) used is a polyurethane polymeric material. More preferably, the liner (4) used is formed from a prepolymer reaction product of toluene diisocyanate and polytetramethylene ether glycol with an aromatic diamine curative. Most preferably the aromatic diamine curative is selected from 4,4′-methylene-bis-o-chloroaniline and 4,4′-methylene-bis-(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline). Preferably, the prepolymer reaction product has a 6.5 to 15.0 weight percent unreacted NCO concentration. Commercially available prepolymers having an unreacted NCO concentration of 6.5 to 15.0 wt % include, for example: Airthane® prepolymers PET-70D, PHP-70D, PET-75D, PHP-75D, PPT-75D, and PHP-80D manufactured by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.; and, Adiprene® prepolymers, LFG740D, LF700D, LF750D, LF751D, LF753D, and L325 manufactured by Chemtura. Preferably, the curative and the prepolymer reaction product are combined at a stoichiometric ratio of 85 to 125% (more preferably, 90 to 115 percent; most preferably, 95 to 105%) of NH₂(or OH) in the curative to unreacted NCO in the prepolymer. This stoichiometry can be achieved either directly, by providing the stoichiometric levels of the raw materials, or indirectly by reacting some of the NCO with water either purposely or by exposure to adventitious moisture. The liner (4) used can be porous or non-porous. Preferably, the liner (4) used is substantially non-porous.

The liner (4) used preferable exhibits an average thickness (5), t_L, of 2 to 10 cm (more preferably 2 to 5 cm) measured using a granite base comparator (e.g., a Chicago Dial Indicator Cat #6066-10) at a plurality of randomly selected points (i.e., ≦10 points) across the liner (4). (See FIG. 1).

The adhesive (7) used can be any adhesive suitable for bonding the liner (4) to the mold base (2). For example, the adhesive (7) used can be selected from pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melt adhesives, contact adhesives and combinations thereof Preferably, the adhesive (7) used will both (a) bond the liner (4) to the mold base (2) with sufficient strength to prevent delamination of the liner (4) from the mold base (2) during the cake skiving operation; and, (b) be removable from the mold base (2) without physical damage to the mold base (2) or leaving a deleterious residue (i.e., a residue that impairs the obtainment of a functional bond between the mold base (2) and a replacement liner). Preferably, the adhesive (7) is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

The mold base (2) used can be any suitably rigid material that will support the weight of the curable material to be charged into the mold cavity; will facilitate the transfer of the filled mold between the equipment used for charging, curing (e.g., large ovens) and skiving the cured cake; and, can withstand the temperature swings associated with the process without warping. Preferably, the mold base (2) used is made of stainless steel (more preferably 316 stainless steel).

The top surface (12) of the liner used defines a horizontal internal boundary (14) of the mold cavity (20). (See, e.g., FIGS. 2-3). Preferably, the horizontal internal boundary (14) of the mold cavity (20) is flat. More preferably, the horizontal internal boundary (14) of the mold cavity (20) is flat and is substantially perpendicular to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis. Most preferably, the horizontal internal boundary (14) of the mold cavity (20) is flat and is essentially perpendicular to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis.

The surrounding wall (15) of the mold (10) used defines a vertical internal boundary (18) of the mold cavity (20). (See, e.g., FIGS. 2-3). Preferably, the surrounding wall defines a vertical internal boundary (18) of the mold cavity (20) that is substantially perpendicular to the x-y plane (30). More preferably, the surrounding wall defines an vertical internal boundary (18) of the mold cavity (20) that is essentially perpendicular to the x-y plane (30).

The mold cavity (20) has a central axis, C_axis, (22) that coincides with the z-axis and that intersects the horizontal internal boundary (14) of the mold cavity (20) at a center point (21). Preferably, the center point (21) is located at the geometric center of the cross section, C_x-sect, (24) of the mold cavity (20) projected onto the x-y plane (30). (See, e.g., FIGS. 2-4).

The mold cavity's cross section, C_x-sect, projected onto the x-y plan can be any regular or irregular two dimensional shape. Preferably, the mold cavity's cross section, C_x-sect, is selected from a polygon and an ellipse. More preferably, the mold cavity's cross section, C_x-sect, is a substantially circular cross section having an average radius, r_C(preferably, wherein r_cis 20 to 100 cm; more preferably, wherein r_cis 25 to 65 cm; most preferably, wherein r_Cis 40 to 60 cm). Most preferably, the mold cavity approximates a right cylindrically shaped region having a substantially circular cross section, C_x-sect; wherein the mold cavity has an axis of symmetry, C_x-sym, which coincides with the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis; wherein the right cylindrically shaped region has a cross sectional area, C_x-area, defined as follows:

C_x-area=πr_C²,

wherein r_Cis the average radius of the mold cavity's cross sectional area, C_x-area, projected onto the x-y plane; and wherein r_cis 20 to 100 cm (more preferably 25 to 65 cm; most preferably 40 to 60 cm).

The mold cavity (20) has a doughnut hole region (40) and a doughnut region (50). (See, e.g., FIGS. 3-4).

Preferably, the doughnut hole region (40) of the mold cavity (20) is a right cylindrically shaped region within the mold cavity (20) that projects a circular cross section, DH_x-sect(44) onto the x-y plane (30) and that has a doughnut hole region axis of symmetry, DH_axis, (42); wherein the DH_axiscoincides with the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, and the z-axis. (See, e.g., FIGS. 3-4). The circular cross section, DH_x-sect, (44) of the doughnut hole region (40) has a cross sectional area, DH_x-area, defined as follows:

DH_x-area=πr_DH²,

wherein r_DHis the radius (46) of the doughnut hole region's circular cross section, DH_x-sect, (44). Preferably, wherein r_DH≧r_NO(more preferably, wherein r_DHis 5 to 25 mm; most preferably, wherein r_DH8 to 15 mm).

Preferably, the doughnut region (50) of the mold cavity (20) is a toroid shaped region within the mold cavity (20) that projects an annular cross section, D_x-sect, (54) onto the x-y plane (30) and that has a doughnut region axis of symmetry, D_axis, (52); wherein the D_axiscoincides with the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, and the z-axis. (See, e.g., FIGS. 3-4). The annular cross section, D_x-sect, (54) of the doughnut region (50) has a cross sectional area, D_x-area, defined as follows:

D_x-area=πr_DH²,

wherein R_DHis the larger radius (56) of the doughnut region's annular cross section, D_x-sect; wherein r_Dis the smaller radius (58) of the doughnut region's annular cross section, D_x-sect; wherein r_D≧r_DH; wherein R_D>r_D; and wherein R_D<r_C. Preferably, wherein r_D≧r_DHand wherein r_Dis 5 to 25 mm. More preferably, wherein r_D≧r_DHand wherein r_Dis 8 to 15 mm. Preferably, wherein r_D≧r_DH; wherein R_D>r_D; and wherein R_D≦(K*r_C), wherein K is 0.01 to 0.2 (more preferably, wherein K is 0.014 to 0.1; most preferably, wherein K is 0.04 to 0.086). More preferably, wherein r_D≧r_DH; wherein R_D>r_D; and wherein R_Dis 20 to 100 mm (more preferably, wherein R_Dis 20 to 80 mm; most preferably, wherein R_Dis 25 to 50 mm).

The length of the charging period, CP, in seconds can vary significantly. For example, the length of the charging period, CP, will depend on the size of the mold cavity, the average charging rate, CR_avg, and the properties of the curable material (e.g., gel time). Preferably, the charging period, CP, is 60 to 900 seconds (more preferably 60 to 600 seconds, most preferably 120 to 360 seconds). Typically, the charging period, CP, will be constrained by the gel time exhibited by the curable material. Preferably, the charging period, CP, will be less than or equal to the gel time exhibited by the curable material being charged to the mold cavity. More preferably, the charging period, CP, will be less than the gel time exhibited by the curable material.

The charging rate, CR, (in kg/sec) can vary over the course of the charging period, CP. For example, the charging rate, CR, can be intermittent. That is, the charging rate, CR, can momentarily drop to zero at one or more times over the course of the charging period. Preferably, the curable material is charged to the mold cavity at an essentially constant rate over the charging period. More preferably, the curable material is charged to the mold cavity at an essentially constant rate over the charging period , CP, with an average charging rate, CR_avg, of 0.015 to 2 kg/sec (more preferably 0.015 to 1 kg/sec; most preferably 0.08 to 0.4 kg/sec).

The charging period, CP, is broken down into three separate phases identified as an initial phase, a transition phase and a remainder phase. The start of the initial phase corresponds with the start of the charging period, CP. The end of the initial phase immediately precedes the start of the transition phase. The end of the transition phase immediately precedes the start of the remainder phase. The end of the remainder phase corresponds with the end of the charging period, CP.

The nozzle moves or transforms (e.g., telescopes) during the charging period, CP, such that the location of the nozzle opening moves in all three dimensions. The nozzle (60) moves or transforms (e.g., telescopes) during the charging period, CP, such that the location of the nozzle opening (62) moves relative to the horizontal internal boundary (112) of the mold cavity (120) along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (122) during the charging period, CP, to maintain the location of the nozzle opening (62) above the top surface (72) of the curable material (70) as the curable material (70) collects in the mold cavity (120). (See FIGS. 5A-5B). Preferably, the location of the nozzle opening (62) moves relative to the horizontal internal boundary (112) of the mold cavity (120) along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (122) during the charging period, CP, to maintain the location of the nozzle opening (62) at an elevation (65) above the top surface (72) of the curable material (70) as the curable material (70) collects in the mold cavity (120); wherein the elevation is >0 to 30 mm (more preferably, >0 to 20 mm; most preferably, 5 to 10 mm). (See FIG. 5B). The location of the nozzle opening can momentarily pause in its motion along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (i.e., its motion in the z dimension) during the charging period. Preferably, the location of the nozzle opening momentarily pauses in its motion relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, at each transition phase transition point, TP_TP, (if any) and at each remainder phase transition point, TP_RP(i.e., the location of the nozzle opening momentarily stops moving in the z dimension).

The location of the nozzle opening resides within the doughnut hole region of the mold cavity throughout the initial phase of the charging period (i.e., for the duration of the initial phase). The location of the nozzle opening can remain stationary throughout the initial phase, wherein the initial phase starting point, SP_IPand the initial phase ending point, EP_IP, are the same location (i.e., SP_IP=EP_IP). Preferably, when SP_IP=EP_IP, the initial phase is >0 to 90 seconds long (more preferably >0 to 60 seconds long; most preferably 5 to 30 seconds long). Most preferably, the location of the nozzle opening remains stationary from the start of the initial phase of the charging period until the top surface of curable material in the mold cavity begins to rise at which moment the transition phase begins; wherein the initial phase starting point, SP_IP, (80) and the initial phase ending point, EP_IP, (81a) (which point coincides with a transition phase starting point, SP_TP, (82a)) are the same location within the doughnut hole region (140) of the mold cavity (220) along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (222). Preferably, wherein the doughnut hole region (140) is a right circular cylinder; and wherein the doughnut hole's axis of symmetry, DH_axis, (142) coincides with the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (222) and the z-axis. (See FIGS. 6A-6C). The location of the nozzle opening can move during the initial phase, wherein the initial phase starting point, SP_IP, is different from the initial phase ending point, EP_IP(i.e., SP_IP≠EP_IP). Preferably, when SP_IP≠EP_IP; the initial phase is >0 to (CP-10.02) seconds long; wherein CP is the charge period in seconds. More preferably, when SP_IP≠EP_IP; the initial phase is >0 to (CP-30) seconds long; wherein CP is the charge period in seconds. Most preferably, when the top surface of the curable material in the mold cavity (220) rises during the initial phase of the charging period, the location of the nozzle opening preferably moves within the doughnut hole region (140) of the mold cavity (220) along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (222) from an initial phase starting point, SP_IP, (80) to an initial phase ending point, EP_IP, (81b) (which point coincides with a transition phase starting point, SP_TP, (82b)) to maintain the location of the nozzle opening at an elevation above the top surface of the curable material as it collects in the mold cavity (220) throughout the initial phase of the charging period. (See FIGS. 6A-6C).

The location of the nozzle opening moves from a point within the doughnut hole region of the mold cavity to a point within the doughnut region during the transition phase of the charging period. Preferably, the transition phase is 0.02 to 30 seconds long (more preferably, 0.2 to 5 seconds long; most preferably, 0.6 to 2 seconds long). Preferably, the location of the nozzle opening moves relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, during the transition phase at an average speed of 10 to 70 mm/sec (more preferably 15 to 35 mm/sec, most preferably 20 to 30 mm/sec). Preferably, wherein the movement of the location of the nozzle opening momentarily pauses in its motion relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (i.e., momentarily stops moving in the x and y dimensions) at each transition phase transition point, TP_TP, (if any) and at the transition phase ending point, EP_TP. Preferably, the location of the nozzle opening moves at a constant speed relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, during the transition phase from the transition phase starting point, SP_TP, through any transition phase transition points, TP_TP, to the transition phase ending point, EP_TP. Preferably, during the transition phase the location of the nozzle opening moves from the transition phase starting point, SP_TP, through a plurality of transition phase transition points, TP_TP, to the transition phase ending point, EP_TP; wherein the transition phase path projected onto the x-y plane approximates a curve (more preferably wherein the transition phase path approximates a spiral easement). Most preferably, during the transition phase the location of the nozzle opening moves directly from the transition phase starting point, SP_TP, to the transition phase ending point, EP_TP; wherein the transition phase path projected onto the x-y plane is a straight line.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict three different transition phase paths in a mold cavity (220) having a central axis, C_axis, (222); a right cylindrically shaped doughnut hole region (140) with an axis of symmetry, DH_axis, (142); and a toroid shaped doughnut region (150) with an axis of symmetry, D_axis, (152); wherein the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (222), the doughnut hole's axis of symmetry, DH_axis, (142) and the doughnut's axis of symmetry, D_axis, (152) each coincide with the z axis. A first transition phase path depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C begins at a transition phase starting point, SP_TP, (82a) within a doughnut hole region (140) of a mold cavity (220) and proceeds directly to a transition phase ending point, EP_TP, (89) within a doughnut region (150) of the mold cavity (220); wherein the transition phase path 83a projects as a single straight line (84) onto the x-y plane (130). A second transition phase path depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C begins at a transition phase starting point, SP_TP, (82b) within a doughnut hole region (140) of a mold cavity (220) and proceeds directly to a transition phase ending point, EP_TP, (89) within a doughnut region (150) of the mold cavity (220), wherein the transition phase path 83b projects as a single straight line (84) onto the x-y plane (130). A third transition phase path depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C begins at a transition phase starting point, SP_TP, (82a) within the doughnut hole region (140); transitions through a transition phase transition point, TP_TP, (88) within the doughnut hole region (140); and then proceeds to the transition phase ending point, EP_TP, (89) located within the doughnut region (150); wherein the transition phase path (85) projects a pair of connected lines (87) onto the x-y plane (130). Note that the transition phase end point, EP_TP, (89) corresponds with the remainder phase starting point, SP_RP, (90)(i.e., they are at the same location).

The location of the nozzle opening resides within the doughnut region during the remainder phase of the charging period (i.e., the location of the nozzle opening may pass through or reside in the doughnut hole region for some fraction of the remainder phase of the charging period). Preferably, the location of the nozzle opening resides within the doughnut region throughout the remainder phase of the charging period (i.e., for the duration of the remainder phase). Preferably, wherein the remainder phase is ≧10 seconds long. More preferably, the remainder phase is 10 to <(CP-0.2) seconds long; wherein CP is the charge period in seconds. Still more preferably, the remainder phase is 30 to <(CP-0.2) seconds long; wherein CP is the charge period in seconds. Most preferably, the remainder phase is 0.66*CP to <(CP-0.2) seconds long; wherein CP is the charge period in seconds. Preferably, the location of the nozzle opening moves relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, during the remainder phase at an average speed of 10 to 70 mm/sec (more preferably 15 to 35 mm/sec, most preferably 20 to 30 mm/sec). Preferably, the location of the nozzle opening can momentarily pause in its motion relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, at each remainder phase transition point, TP_RP(i.e., the location of the nozzle opening can momentarily stop moving in the x and y dimensions). Preferably, the location of the nozzle opening moves at a constant speed relative to the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, during the remainder phase from the remainder phase starting point, SP_RP, through each of the remainder phase transition points, TP_RP. Preferably, during the remainder phase the location of the nozzle opening moves from the remainder phase starting point, SP_RP, through a plurality of remainder phase transition points, TP_RP; wherein the remainder phase path projects a series of connected lines onto the x-y plane. Preferably, the remainder phase transition points, TP_RP, are all located within the doughnut region of the mold cavity. Preferably, the series of connected lines projected onto the x-y plane by the remainder phase path approximates either a circle or a two dimensional spiral with a varying distance from the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis. Preferably, the series of connected lines projected onto the x-y plane by the remainder phase path approximates a two dimensional spiral, wherein successive remainder phase transition points, TP_RP, project onto the x-y plane at either an increasing or a decreasing distance from the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis. More preferably, the series of connected lines projected onto the x-y plane by the remainder phase path approximates a circle, wherein successive remainder phase transition points, TP_RP, project onto the x-y plane at an equal distance from the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, and wherein the series of connected lines projected onto the x-y plane by the remainder phase path is a regular polygon (i.e., equilateral and equiangular). Preferably, wherein the regular polygon has ≧5 sides (more preferably ≧8 sides; most preferably ≧10 sides; preferably ≦100 sides; more preferably ≦50 sides; most preferably ≦20 sides). Most preferably, wherein the remainder phase path approximates a helix. That is, during the remainder phase the location of the nozzle opening continues moving along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, to maintain the desired elevation above the top surface of the curable material collecting in the mold cavity while the location of the nozzle opening simultaneously traces a path that projects a regular polygon onto the x-y plane (preferably, wherein the regular polygon has 5 to 100 sides; more preferably, 5 to 50 sides; still more preferably, 8 to 25 sides; most preferably, 8 to 15 sides).

FIGS. 7A-7C depict a portion of a preferred remainder phase path (95) that approximates a helix within the mold cavity (220) having a central axis, C_axis, (222); a right cylindrically shaped doughnut hole region (140) with an axis of symmetry, DH_axis, (142); and a toroid shaped doughnut region (150) with an axis of symmetry, D_axis, (152); wherein the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (222), the doughnut hole's axis of symmetry, DH_axis, (142) and the doughnut's axis of symmetry, D_axis, (152) each coincide with the z axis. The remainder phase path (95) begins at a remainder phase starting point, SP_RP, (90) within the doughnut region (150) of the mold cavity (220) and proceeds through a plurality of remainder phase transition points, TP_RP, (92) within a doughnut region (150) of the mold cavity (220); wherein all the remainder phase transition points, TP_RP, are at an equal distance from the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis, (222); and, wherein the remainder phase path 95 projects onto the x-y plane (130) as ten equal length lines (97) forming a regular decahedron (100). Note that the remainder transition starting point, SP_RP, (90) corresponds with the transition phase ending point, EP_TP, (89)(i.e., they are at the same location).

The curable material preferably comprises a liquid prepolymer. More preferably, the curable material comprises a liquid prepolymer and a plurality of microelements, wherein the plurality of microelements are uniformly dispersed in the liquid prepolymer. The liquid prepolymer preferably polymerizes (i.e., cures) to form a material comprising a poly(urethane). More preferably, the liquid prepolymer polymerizes to form a material comprising a polyurethane. Most preferably, the liquid prepolymer polymerizes (cures) to form a polyurethane. Alternatively, the liquid prepolymer is a melt processable thermoplastic material. Preferably, the melt processable thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic poly(urethane)(TPU), polysulfone, polyether sulfone, nylon, polyether, polyester, polystyrene, acrylic polymer, polyurea, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene, polyethylene imine, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene oxide, polyolefin, poly(alkyl)acrylate, poly(alkyl)methacrylate, polyamide, polyether imide, polyketone, epoxy, silicone, polymer formed from ethylene propylene diene monomer, protein, polysaccharide, polyacetate and a combination of at least two of the foregoing.

Preferably, the liquid prepolymer comprises a polyisocyanate-containing material. More preferably, the liquid prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate (e.g., diisocyanate) and a hydroxyl-containing material.

Preferably, the polyisocyanate is selected from methylene bis 4,4′-cyclohexyl-isocyanate; cyclohexyl diisocyanate; isophorone diisocyanate; hexamethylene diisocyanate; propylene-1,2-dissocyanate; tetramethylene-1,4-diisocyanate; 1,6-hexamethylene-diisocyanate; dodecane-1,12-diisocyanate; cyclobutane-1,3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate; 1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatomethylcyclohexane; methyl cyclohexylene diisocyanate; triisocyanate of hexamethylene diisocyanate; triisocyanate of 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexane diisocyanate; urtdione of hexamethylene diisocyanate; ethylene diisocyanate; 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate; 2,4,4-tri-methylhexamethylene diisocyanate; dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate; and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the polyisocyanate is aliphatic and has less than 14 percent unreacted isocyanate groups.

Preferably, the hydroxyl-containing material used with the present invention is a polyol. Exemplary polyols include, for example, polyether polyols, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (including partially and fully hydrogenated derivatives), polyester polyols, polycaprolactone polyols, polycarbonate polyols, and mixtures thereof.

Preferred polyols include polyether polyols. Examples of polyether polyols include polytetramethylene ether glycol (“PTMEG”), polyethylene propylene glycol, polyoxypropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds and substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups. Preferably, the polyol of the present invention includes PTMEG. Suitable polyester polyols include, but are not limited to, polyethylene adipate glycol; polybutylene adipate glycol; polyethylene propylene adipate glycol; o-phthalate-1,6-hexanediol; poly(hexamethylene adipate) glycol; and mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds, or substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups. Suitable polycaprolactone polyols include, but are not limited to, 1,6-hexanediol-initiated polycaprolactone; diethylene glycol initiated polycaprolactone; trimethylol propane initiated polycaprolactone; neopentyl glycol initiated polycaprolactone; 1,4-butanediol-initiated polycaprolactone; PTMEG-initiated polycaprolactone; and mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds, or substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups. Suitable polycarbonates include, but are not limited to, polyphthalate carbonate and poly(hexamethylene carbonate) glycol.

Preferably, the plurality of microelements are selected from entrapped gas bubbles, hollow core polymeric materials (i.e., microspheres), liquid filled hollow core polymeric materials, water soluble materials (e.g., cyclodextrin) and an insoluble phase material (e.g., mineral oil). Preferably, the plurality of microelements are microspheres, such as, polyvinyl alcohols, pectin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinylidene dichloride), hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydropropylmethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylamides, polyethylene glycols, polyhydroxyetheracrylites, starches, maleic acid copolymers, polyethylene oxide, polyurethanes, cyclodextrin and combinations thereof (e.g., Expancel™ from Akzo Nobel of Sundsvall, Sweden). The microspheres can be chemically modified to change the solubility, swelling and other properties by branching, blocking, and crosslinking, for example. Preferably, the microspheres have a mean diameter that is less than 150 μm, and more preferably a mean diameter of less than 50 μm. Most Preferably, the microspheres 48 have a mean diameter that is less than 15 μm. Note, the mean diameter of the microspheres can be varied and different sizes or mixtures of different microspheres 48 can be used. A most preferred material for the microspheres is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and vinylidene dichloride (e.g., Expancel® available from Akzo Nobel).

The liquid prepolymer optionally further comprises a curing agent. Preferred curing agents include diamines. Suitable polydiamines include both primary and secondary amines. Preferred polydiamines include, but are not limited to, diethyl toluene diamine (“DETDA”); 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and isomers thereof; 3,5-diethyltoluene-2,4-diamine and isomers thereof (e.g., 3,5-diethyltoluene-2,6-diamine); 4,4′-bis-(sec-butylamino)-diphenylmethane; 1,4-bis-(sec-butylamino)-benzene; 4,4′-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline); 4,4′-methylene-bis-(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline) (“MCDEA”); polytetramethyleneoxide-di-p-aminobenzoate; N,N′-dialkyldiamino diphenyl methane; p,p′-methylene dianiline (“MDA”); m-phenylenediamine (“MPDA”); methylene-bis 2-chloroaniline (“MBOCA”); 4,4′-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline) (“MOCA”); 4,4′-methylene-bis-(2,6-diethylaniline) (“MDEA”); 4,4′-methylene-bis-(2,3-dichloroaniline) (“MDCA”); 4,4′-diamino-3,3′-diethyl-5,5′-dimethyl diphenylmethane, 2,2′,3,3′-tetrachloro diamino diphenylmethane; trimethylene glycol di-p-aminobenzoate; and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the diamine curing agent is selected from 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and isomers thereof.

Curing agents can also include diols, triols, tetraols and hydroxy-terminated curatives. Suitable diols, triols, and tetraol groups include ethylene glycol; diethylene glycol; polyethylene glycol; propylene glycol; polypropylene glycol; lower molecular weight polytetramethylene ether glycol; 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy) benzene; 1,3-bis-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]benzene; 1,3-bis-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}benzene; 1,4-butanediol; 1,5-pentanediol; 1,6-hexanediol; resorcinol-di-(beta-hydroxyethyl) ether; hydroquinone-di-(beta-hydroxyethyl)ether; and mixtures thereof Preferred hydroxy-terminated curatives include 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene; 1,3-bis-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]benzene; 1,3-bis-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}benzene; 1,4-butanediol; and mixtures thereof. The hydroxy-terminated and diamine curatives can include one or more saturated, unsaturated, aromatic, and cyclic groups. Additionally, the hydroxy-terminated and diamine curatives can include one or more halogen groups.

Preferably, the polishing layer provided in the method of the present invention exhibits a Young's modulus of ≦350 Mpa (preferably, 10 to 200 MPa) as measured by the test method set forth in ASTM D412 (version D412-02).

In the preferred method of the present invention, polishing layers having an ungrooved polishing surface are derived from the cured cakes by skiving the cured cakes into at least one polishing layer having an ungrooved polishing surface using a skiver blade having a cutting edge. Preferably, a stropping compound is applied to the cutting edge of the skiver blade, and a strop is used to hone the cutting edge before skiving the cake to provide at least one polishing layer having an ungrooved polishing surface. Stropping compound used in the method of the present invention preferably comprises an aluminum oxide abrasive dispersed in a fatty acid. More preferably, the stropping compound used in the method of the present invention comprises 70 to 82 wt % aluminum oxide abrasive dispersed in 18 to 35 wt % fatty acid. The strop used in the method of the present invention is preferably a leather strop. Most preferably, the strop used in the method of the present invention is a leather strop designed for use with a rotary tool (e.g., Dremel® rotary tool). Optionally, the cured cake is heated to facilitate the skiving operation. Preferably, the cured cake is heated using infrared heating lamps during the skiving operation in which the cured cake is skived to provide a polishing layer with an ungrooved polishing surface.

Preferably, the at least one curved groove machined into the ungrooved polishing surface is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of concentric circular grooves and at least one spiral groove. More preferably, the at least one curved groove machined into the ungrooved polishing surface is a plurality of concentric, substantially circular grooves. Most preferably, the polishing layer has a substantially circular cross section and the at least one curved groove machined into the ungrooved polishing surface is a plurality of concentric, substantially circular grooves, wherein each groove has an axis of symmetry that substantially coincides with the axis of symmetry of the polishing layer in the plane of the polishing surface.

Preferably, the at least one curved groove has a groove depth of ≧350 μm. More preferably, the at least one curved groove has a groove depth of ≧500 μm. Still more preferably, the at least one curved groove has a groove depth of 500 to 2,500 μm. Yet still more preferably, the at least one curved groove has a groove depth of 500 to 1,500 μm. Most preferably, the at least one curved groove has a groove depth of 500 to 1,250 mils.

The plurality of linear grooves in an XY grid pattern are machined into the polishing surface following the machining of the at least one curved groove. Preferably, the plurality of linear grooves are machined by a step down process, wherein a groove cutting tool makes multiple successive cutting passes to form each linear groove, and, wherein each successive cutting pass increases the depth of the linear groove being formed. Preferably, the step down process involves at least two successive passes with the cutting tool. More preferably, the step down process involves four to ten successive passes with the cutting tool. Most preferably, the step down process involves four to six successive passes with the cutting tool. The maximum preferred cutting depth per pass is dependent on the modulus of the material being grooved; such that, the lower the modulus of the material being grooved, the lower will be the maximum preferred cutting depth per pass. Preferably, the groove cutting tool has a feed rate of 1 to 60 cm/sec (more preferably, 5 to 60 cm/sec; most preferably, 5 to 20 cm/sec). Preferably, the polishing layer (including the polishing surface) is at room temperature during the machining operation to form the XY grid pattern. More preferably, the polishing layer (including the polishing surface) is at a temperature of 18 to 25° C. during the machining operation to form the XY grid pattern.

Preferably, the plurality of linear grooves forming the XY grid exhibit a groove depth of ≧350 μm. More preferably, the plurality of linear grooves forming the XY grid exhibit a groove depth of ≧500 μm. Still more preferably, the plurality of linear grooves forming the XY grid exhibit a groove depth of 500 to 2,500 μm. Yet still more preferably, the plurality of linear grooves forming the XY grid exhibit a groove depth of 500 to 1,500 μm. Most preferably, the plurality of linear grooves forming the XY grid exhibit a groove depth of 500 to 1,250 μm.

Preferably, cakes produced by the preferred method of the present invention contain fewer density defects compared to cakes produced using the same process except that throughout the charging period, CP, the location of the nozzle opening moves in only one dimension along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis(i.e., to maintain the location of the nozzle opening at a set elevation above the top surface of the curable material as it collects in the mold cavity). More preferably, wherein cakes produced in the preferred method of the present invention provide at least 50% more (more preferably at least 75% more; most preferably at least 100% more) density defect free polishing layers per cake. Still more preferably, wherein the mold cavity has a substantially circular cross section having an average radius, r_C; wherein r_Cis 40 to 60 cm; and wherein the cake produced using the method of the present invention provides a 2 fold increase (more preferably a 3 fold increase) in the number of density defect free polishing layers compared to the number of density defect free polishing layers provided by a cake produced using the same process except that throughout the charging period, CP, the location of the nozzle opening moves in only one dimension along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis.

Preferably, polishing layers with an ungrooved polishing surface provided using the preferred method of the present invention exhibit a polishing surface with decreased surface roughness compared to ungrooved polishing layers provided using the same process except that throughout the charging period, CP, the location of the nozzle opening moves in only one dimension along the mold cavity's central axis, C_axis(i.e., to maintain the location of the nozzle opening at a set elevation above the top surface of the curable material as it collects in the mold cavity) and the skiver blade is stone sharpened rather than stropped before cake skiving. More preferably, wherein polishing layers with an ungrooved polishing surface provided using the preferred method of the present invention exhibit a polishing surface with at least a 10% (more preferably at least 20%; most preferably at least 25%) reduction in surface roughness.

Preferably, polishing layers having a grooved polishing surface with a combination of at least one curved groove and a plurality of linear grooves in an XY grid pattern produced using the method of the present invention contain fewer stringer defects compared to polishing layers produced using the same process except that the plurality of linear grooves are machined using the conventional approach of machining flexible foams (i.e., machined using a single pass, full depth cutting technique).

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in the following Examples.

EXAMPLES

Polishing layers having an ungrooved polishing surface, an average thickness of 2.0 mm and a Young's Modulus measured according to ASTM D412-02 as reported in TABLE 1 were prepared using the cast and skive process described above. Each of the ungrooved polishing layers were then first machined on a lathe to form a circular groove pattern in the polishing surface having nominal dimensions of 762 micron depth, 508 micron width and 3.0 mm pitch. Each of the polishing layers were then subjected to a second machining operation on a milling machine to create a plurality of linear grooves in an XY grid pattern having nominal dimensions of 787 micron depth, 2.0 mm width and 40.0 mm pitch, which XY grid pattern was superimposed on the circular groove pattern. The XY grid pattern was machined on two sets of polishing layers. In the first set, the XY grid pattern was formed using a single, full depth, cutting pass. In the second set, the XY grid pattern was formed using a step down process, wherein six successive, non-full depth, cutting passes were used to form the grooves. The number of stringer defects (of the type illustrated in FIG. 9) created in each polishing layer are reported in TABLE 1. As is apparent from this data, the number of stringer defects was significantly reduced through the use of the step down process. The reduction in stringer defects, Δ, is reported in TABLE 1 (wherein Δ=full depth cutting process stringer defect count−step down cutting process stringer defect count). Also, in general the lower the modulus of the material used in the polishing layer, the greater the benefit associated with machining of the grooves using the step down process.

TABLE 1

Young's Modulus
Number of stringer defects

Ex.
(MPa)
Full depth cutting
Step down process
Δ

1
303
17
12
5

2
260
9
0
9

3
195
23
2
21

4
185
13
1
12

5
95
20
0
20

6
65
29
1
28

Method of manufacturing grooved chemical mechanical polishing layers

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