Surface characterization of synthetic vulcanized rubber treated with oxygen plasma

• Published in: Surface and interface analysis 1998-05, Vol.26 (5), p.385-399
• Main Authors: Pastor-Blas, M. Mercedes, Martín-Martínez, José Miguel, Dillard, John G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adhesion; Applied sciences; Coating, metallization, dyeing; contact angle measurements; Exact sciences and technology; IR-ATR spectroscopy; Machinery and processing; oxygen plasma; Plastics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; SEM; styrene-butadiene rubber; surface treatment; T-peel strength; Technology of polymers; XPS
• ISSN: 0142-2421; 1096-9918
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9918(19980501)26:5<385::AID-SIA384>3.0.CO;2-K

The surface of a synthetic vulcanized styrene–butadiene rubber (R2) was treated in an oxygen plasma to improve adhesion in joints prepared with a one‐component solvent‐based polyester–urethane adhesive. The modifications produced on the rubber surface by plasma treatment were assessed using advancing and receding contact angle measurements, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, (XPS), infrared‐attenuated total reflection spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Adhesion was obtained from T‐peel tests of treated R2 rubber/polyurethane adhesive joints. Several experimental variables were considered, such as the radio‐frequency power and the length and lifetime of the plasma treatment. The treatment in the oxygen plasma produced a noticeable decrease in contact angle, which can be mainly ascribed to the creation of CO and CO moieties on the rubber surface. Advancing and receding contact angles only differed by ∽10°. Depending on the experimental conditions used, some ablation was produced on the surface, which was more noticeable as the length and power of the treatment increased. An adequate performance of adhesive joints was obtained using a power of 50 W and a time for oxygen plasma treatment of