Plasma Polymerized Acetylene Primers for Rubber-to-Metal Bonding: Mechanisms of Adhesion

摘要

We have been investigating novel techniques for adhering rubber to metals for some time. Our investigations have shown that plasma polymerized acetylene films are outstanding primers for adhering sulfur-cured natural rubber to metals such as steel when a relatively high ratio of sulfur to accelerator is used (1). These primers have been used to prepare lap joints with excellent initial adhesion and durability of adhesion at the rubber/primer and primer/substrate interfaces. In an effort to determine the mechanisms responsible for adhesion, we have used various surface analysis techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to probe reactions occurring at the rubber/plasma polymer interface. However, because of the experimental difficulties associated with characterizing the rubber/plasma polymer interface, we have made use of a model rubber compound instead of an actual compound.