ABSTRACT
A new series of β-diketone functionalized polymers (BFPs) were synthesized by the free-radical solution copolymerization of 2-(methacryloxyloxy) ethyl-acetoacetate with styrene and glycidyl methacrylate. These polymers were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis methods (TGA and DSC) and gel permeation chromatography. Steel coupons were treated with dilute solutions of the polymers and analyzed using surface spectroscopic techniques (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Infrared reflection spectroscopy). The results indicate that the polymer shows chemical interaction (chelation) with the steel surface. The BFPs were tested for their efficiency as polymeric coupling agents to enhance the adhesion of epoxy to steel. The coupling agent treated epoxy-steel torsional joints were tested (in dry and wet environments) in shear. They demonstrated about 10% dry strength improvement when compared to epoxy-steel control joints. The coupling agent treated epoxy-steel joints also exhibited excellent hot water (60°C) durability while the epoxysteel control joints fell apart in three days. BFPs can serve as very effective coupling agents for the epoxy-steel system.
