Abstract
The use of hybrid metal/polymer structure is an efficient strategy for weight reduction in automotive applications. The poor interfacial adhesion between metals and polymers can be solved by using coupling agent (compatibilizer) and through surface treatments, adding new functionalities and a rough surface. In this study, the stainless steel (SUS) surface treatments were systematically examined using various etching and functionalizing solutions, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), acetic acid (CH3COOH), phosphoric acid (H3PO4), copper sulfate (CuSO4), ethanol (C2H5OH), fluorozirconic acid (H2ZrF6), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), acetone (C3H6O), and their mixtures. An HCl/CuSO4 aqueous solution was the most efficient surface treatment for SUS, resulting in the highest interfacial adhesion with polyamide 6,6 (lab shear strength: from 1.7 to 12.7 MPa, and toughness: from 4.9 to 35.4 N/m2). The etching process was further investigated by optimizing the etching time and temperature. The treated surfaces were characterized by surface roughness, morphology, contact angle, elemental analysis, and single–lap shear tests.
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