Improvement of the resistance to water of an adhesive joint between polymers and aluminium by using thin adhesion layers

The influence of a thin adhesive layer (AL) of a polymer on the wet adhesion of an epoxy coating on an aluminium substrate has been studied by the peel and tape test method. It is shown that thin layers considerably improve the stability of adhesive joints in the presence of water. The mechanism of this improvement and the mechanical properties required for such thin layers are discussed. Some experimental evidence for improved wet adhesion of polymer binders to an aluminium support is presented and the mechanism explained. These results on interfacial processes contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of adhesion.