X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy of the influence of cations and anions of organometallic adhesion promoters on the interface between steel cord and rubber skim compounds

• Published in: Journal of materials science 1996-05, Vol.31 (10), p.2667-2676
• Main Authors: CHANDRA, A. K, MUKHOPADHYAY, R, KONAR, J, GHOSH, T. B, BHOWMICK, A. K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Application fields; Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00687298

The influence of cations and anions of the adhesion promoters on the interface between brass-coated steel cord and natural rubber skim compounds has been studied by employing Auger electron spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at three different etching times. Cobalt stearate, cobalt boroacylate and nickel boroacylate have been used as organometallic adhesion promoters. The atomic concentrations of sulfur and carbon decreased, while those of Cu and zinc increased significantly with etching times. Cobalt/nickel was only found at higher etching times. Cobalt boroacylate increased the atomic concentration of Cu, Zn and sulfur with the formation of Cu sub x S and ZnS on the top two layers more than the nickel boroacylate. The sulfidation reaction was, however, only partial in the presence of cobalt stearate, and ZnO was observed in the top layer. The atomic concentrations of Cu and Zn were also much lower than those of the system containing cobalt boroacylate. A model, based on the results, is proposed to show the difference in activity of the cations and anions.