Enhanced Bonding of Poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) to Oxides through Surface-Bound Alkoxyzirconium Complex Interfaces

Surface-bound alkoxyzirconium complexes form stable interfaces between poly(ethylene-co-acrylic) acids and various substrates. These interfaces enhance polymer bonding to the oxide surface as demonstrated by stability to washing. Both 5% by weight and 15% by weight acrylic acid copolymers were deposited onto modified and unmodified oxidized aluminum, iron, porous silicon, and indium tin oxide, and both polymers exhibited increased surface loading onto the alkoxyzirconium-modified surface when compared with the untreated substrate.