Semiconductor devices, other electronic components, and other articles of
manufacture with porous insulator structures are disclosed. The
insulative material of such porous insulators may include a first,
substantially nonporous state and a second, porous state. When in the
first state, the insulative materials may be processed or support layers
or structures which are being processed. When in the second state, the
insulative materials have a reduced dielectric constant and, thus,
increased electrical insulation properties. For example, an insulative
material may include a consolidatable material with one or more
microcapsules therein. Each microcapsule includes a shell and may also
include a removable filler. The consolidatable material may be cured and
the filler, if any, removed to form a porous insulator structure.