ABSTRACT
The purpose of this review is to demonstrate that there are well established molecular bonding and strong interactions between monomers or polymers and metals. We discuss both theoretical and experimental work related to adsorption and adhesion at polymer-metal interphases. Firstly, we briefly describe the fractal nature of polymer-metal interphases, and the effect of chemisorption on fractal dimension. Secondly, we mention several theoretical studies related to the models and the conformation of polymer segments to metal surfaces. Recent theoretical work by others with molecular modeling has provided some insight about the interfaces; however, this type of work is still at an early stage. Thirdly, we cite the experimental work by others with XPS, SERS (surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy), Mössbauer emission spectroscopy, etc., on chemisorption, molecular bonding, redox interaction, restructuring of polar groups, and contact oxidation of polymers on metal surfaces. Among them, SERS and XPS are capable of describing chemical composition and conformation right at the interfaces. These results appear very valuable in understanding the formation of the architectural framework of a functional interphase beyond the superficial blending. In general, some preliminary data indicate that adhesion of polymers is greatly improved by various forms of strong interactions, e.g., chemisorption and molecular bonding at polymer-metal interphases. However, strong chemical reactions at the interphases may not be always beneficial to adhesion and physical properties.
