Molecular structure, role deposition

In all adhesive joints, the interfacial region between the adhesive and the substrate plays an important role in the transfer of stress from one adherend to another [8]. The initial strength and stability of the joint depend on the molecular structure of the interphase after processing and environmental exposure, respectively. Characterization of the molecular structure near the interface is essential to model and, subsequently, to maximize the performance of an adhesive system in a given environment. When deposited on a substrate, the silane primers have a finite thickness and constitute separate phases. If there is interaction between the primer and the adherend surface or adhesive, a new interphase region is formed. This interphase has a molecular structure different from the molecular structure of either of the two primary phases from which it is formed. Thus, it is essential to characterize these interphases thoroughly. 

Under optimal conditions this layer can be transferred to a solid substrate (glass or metal) and several monomolecular layers can be deposited in this way. These L-B films represent highly organized molecular assemblies on a macroscopic scale, since not only the distance between neighbouring molecules but also the relative orientations of their chromophores can be determined. The distance dependence of photoinduced energy and electron transfers have been investigated in L-B films. The R6 dependence of the Forster dipole-dipole mechanism has been confirmed, but it must be realized that some questions remain concerning the possible role of defects in the film structures. 

The metal polymer interface can be studied in a variety of ways using surface science methods. Recently, much emphasis has been placed on the understanding of the initial stages of metallization of polymers. In particular, the role of metal-organic interactions as they relate to the fundamentals of adhesion mechanisms are of interest. One experimental approach is to examine the first monolayers of metal as they are deposited on a polymer surface (1), i.e the polymer is the substrate. However, the organic polymer-metal interface may be studied in the opposite perspective, via understanding the roles of organic molecular or macromolecular structure and chemistry of the metal surface qua substrate (2). In the present paper, recent ion and electron spectroscopic studies of the... 

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