Surface reaction of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole on metals and its application in adhesion promotion

Abstract

Chemisorption of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole onto a chemically cleaned surface of metallic copper from its ethanol solution has been investigated by the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering, X-ray-induced Auger spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. 2-Mercaptobenzimidazole reacts directly with metallic copper to form copper 2-mercaptobenzimidazolates which covered the surface with a polymeric film. A ring-opening reaction of the epoxy group is induced by the surface material, resulting in significantly improved adhesion of epoxy resin onto copper and iron.