High-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy study of degradation of rubber-to-brass adhesion by thermal aging

• Published in: Applied surface science 2013-03, Vol.268, p.117-123
• Main Authors: Ozawa, Kenichi, Kakubo, Takashi, Shimizu, Katsunori, Amino, Naoya, Mase, Kazuhiko, Izumi, Yudai, Muro, Takayuki, Komatsu, Takayuki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Brass; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Photoelectron spectroscopy; Physics; Rubber; Thermal aging
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2012.12.025

[Display omitted] ► Influence of thermal aging on rubber-to-brass adhesion is investigated by chemical state analysis. ► Adhesion strength is reduced by thermal aging. ► The reduction of the Cu2S/CuS ratio and the increase in ZnO, Zn(OH)2 and ZnS in the adhesion layer are the characteristic changes induced by thermal aging. ► The aging process is stimulated by water in the surrounding environment. High resolution photoelectron spectroscopy is utilized to investigate degradation of rubber-to-brass adhesion by thermal aging. Special attention is given to the role of water in the environment surrounding brass-embedded rubber so that three aging processes are employed; hydrothermal aging, moist-heat aging and dry-heat aging. All aging processes lead to the decrease in the amount of S at the rubber/brass interface. This desulfurization accompanies the decrease in the ratio of CuxS (x≃2) to CuS, i.e., CuxS/CuS, and the increase in the amount of ZnO, Zn(OH)2 and ZnS, all of which are key factors for degradation of adhesion. The changes in the chemical composition are enhanced by water in the surrounding environment during the aging treatments, indicating that the water molecules accelerate degradation of rubber-to-brass adhesion.