Joining of polymers to metal

This paper reviews the factors controlling adhesion in polymer/aluminum and in polymer/steel joints, and the ongoing research being carried out at the University of Toronto on aluminum/oriented high-strength polypropylene bonding. Two approaches have been taken when examining the joining of aluminum to high-strength oriented polypropylene, viz., electromagnetic induction and ultrasonic bonding (using specially formulated tie-layer materials). The lap-shear strength produced using electromagnetic and ultrasonic bonding exceeded the interfibrillar cohesive strength of the oriented polypropylene employed during testing