A study of the mechanism of cathodic debonding of adhesively bonded neoprene rubber from steel

Abstract The feasibility of applying surface analysis techniques to study adhesion has been well established. Some of these techniques were utilized in this study of cathodic debonding of neoprene to steel bonds to examine the interfacial failure surfaces. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) showed the poor cleaning capabilities of vapor degreasing and the modest effect of alkali on the oxide layer. The neat phenol-formaldehyde-based primer exhibited a significant amount of degradation characterized by changes in the chemical composition as shown by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The analysis of the cathodically debonded surfaces showed cohesive failure in the primer close to the interface. Keywords: Cathodic debondingrubbersteelsurface analysis