Adhesion of metals to polymers

Abstract

Methods of measuring the adhesion of thin films to bulk substrates are critically reviewed, with particular emphasis on the value of scratch testing methods. Results obtained by this method for a range of metals and polymers show that in many cases there is a considerable electrostatic component of adhesion, which is both time and temperature dependent. An examination of electrical conduction in polyethylene shows space-charge-limited currents, due apparently to positive hole injection at the anode. It is suggested that a similar mechanisms is the cause of the adhesion results.