ADHESION THROUGH SILANE COUPLING AGENTS

Abstract

From a study of silane coupling agents in reinforced plastics, a generatl mechanism of adhesion to hydrophilic mineral surfaces has been devised. According to this theory, adhesion of polymers to dissimilar surfaces is described as a dynamic equilibrium of maing and breaking of adhesion bonds between polymer segments and the surface through the agency of a low molecular weight, usually water. A dynamic equilibrium at the interface allows relaxation of thermal stresses. Water resistance results from a favorable equilibrium toward bonding through polar groups in the polymer.