Effect of nanostructures on enhanced metal-polymer adhesion via "bottom up" strategy: A comparative study from 0 dimension to 3 dimension materials

Authors：Xian, Yeming; Kang, Zhixin^*

Source：MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING B-SOLID STATE MATERIALS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, 2021, 270: 115206.

DOI：10.1016/j.mseb.2021.115206

• Polymer surface metallization
• Dual functionalized filler
• Epoxy-based nanocomposite

A new "bottom up" strategy via incorporating specific fillers into polymeric matrix and forming rough surface as well as exposed fillers without further surface treatment is presented to replace conventional palladium (Pd) activation or molecular grafting in polymer surface metallization hopefully. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), 3D profile, cross-cut testing and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) were conducted to studied the the effects of fillers in generating rough surface and improving adhesion. The results showed that, 1D/ 2D, functionalized fillers generated rougher surface, adhesion improved significantly after functionalization. Before functionalization, the adhesion is influenced by surface roughness and original functional groups of the fillers and after functionalizaton, the adhesion is depended by the mechanical properties and behaviors of the fillers.