Ion transport processes at polymer/oxide/metal interfaces under varying corrosive conditions

Abstract Cathodic delamination and interfacial ion transport processes were studied to analyse the stability of polymer/substrate interfaces at artificial Fe–Zn and Fe–SiO2 cut edges. In-situ Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) measurements showed that a kinetic stabilisation of the material transitions could be achieved when they were coated with latex polymers of characteristic glass transition temperatures (Tg). A polarisation of the defect area with a potentiostat or by zinc accelerated cathodic delamination processes but also increased their susceptibility towards kinetic inhibitions. These conclusions were confirmed by Scanning Kelvin Probe–Blister Test (SKP-BT) experiments at epoxy amine/zinc oxide/zinc interfaces under controlled atmospheric conditions.