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Adhesion of Polyethylene to Metals

Nature volume 223, pages 1360–1361 (1969)Cite this article

Abstract

THE adhesion of polyethylene to high energy substrates depends on the oxidation of the polymer. Better adhesion was found1 to copper if it was covered with CuO rather than Cu2O, because the former oxidizes the polyethylene; and the adhesion to Duralumin is increased2 when polyethylene is oxidized with dichromate or permanganate. The high adhesion of polyethylene to steel can be depressed by antioxidant in the polymer3, and the poor adhesion to glass is enhanced by use of a suitable oxidizing agent. We now report circumstances, however, in which the adhesion of polyethylene is dependent not on oxidation but on the hitherto neglected concept of mechanical “keying”.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Formica International Ltd, 68 Lower Cookham Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire

    K. BRIGHT & B. W. MALPASS

  2. Metal Containers Ltd, Liphook, Hampshire

    D. E. PACKHAM

  3. Department of Chemistry, City University, St John Street, London, EC1

    D. E. PACKHAM

Authors
  1. K. BRIGHT
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  2. B. W. MALPASS
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  3. D. E. PACKHAM
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BRIGHT, K., MALPASS, B. & PACKHAM, D. Adhesion of Polyethylene to Metals. Nature 223, 1360–1361 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/2231360a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/2231360a0

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