Investigation of the delamination of polymer films from galvanized steel with the Scanning Kelvinprobe.

Abstract

The applicability of a new experimental technique - the Scanning Kelvinprobe - for the analysis of the delamination of polymer films from galvanized steel is discussed. Defect ions having direct access to the zinc/ polymer interface will diffuse along this interface, a process, which can be monitored by the Kelvinprobe in a very early state with a high local resolution. After incorporation of ions a galvanic element is formed, the local cathode being at the delamination front, where oxygen is reduced, and the local anode at the zinc coated defect. For the model polymer under investigation the interaction between the film and the substrate is weak and the rate determining step for the delamination is the diffusion of cations from the local anode to the local cathode. An exposure to a highly CO(2)-containing atmosphere before the delamination prolongs the incubation time of delamination. If there is no zinc layer at the defect, an anodic delamination mechanism occurs. Zinc is dissolved under the polymer film, while the steel surface is cathodically protected.