Submicrometer analyses of the polymer flow modifier effects on metal–polymer direct joining

Abstract

Polymer modification is a promising approach to improve the joining performance of injection molded direct joining (IMDJ) technology. However, the factors contributing to the improved joining strength of submicron scale surface pattern joints have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the mechanism for improving the joining performance of polyamide 6 (PA6)/aluminum alloy A5052 joints with Blast + hot water treated metal structure using a flow modifier (OSGOL MF-11). Enhanced mechanical polymer infiltration at the submicron scale was confirmed, and the hydrogen bond generation at the joint interface was characterized. These findings elucidate the reason for the joining performance improvement caused by the flow modifier in the submicron scale.