Enhancing Adhesion Strength of Polymer-Based Joints via Atomic Layer Deposition

Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have successfully utilized atomic layer deposition (ALD) to enhance the adhesion strength of polymer-based joints. By depositing thin layers of oxides, such as alumina, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, the team demonstrated significant improvements in shear strength, strain at failure, and toughness. The surface modifications achieved through ALD led to increased surface energy and the formation of wrinkled patterns that facilitated mechanical interlocking, ultimately resulting in improved bonding performance.

Key Takeaways:

• The study demonstrated the potential of ALD as a versatile surface treatment for improving adhesion performance in polymer-based materials.
• The researchers deposited AlO, TiO, and ZnO layers, showcasing significant improvements in shear strength, strain at failure, and toughness.
• Surface characterizations revealed that the enhancements stemmed from both chemical and physical modifications, including increased surface energy and the formation of wrinkled patterns.
• The growth mechanisms led to the formation of distinct wrinkled and crease patterns, with AlO and TiO growing on the polymer's surface, while ZnO grew within the ABS-like substrate via vapor phase infiltration.
• The surface morphologies and mechanical responses varied depending on the oxide type and number of ALD cycles.
• The research team included Elina Yachnin, Shachar Keren, Noy Cohen, and Tamar Segal-Peretz as authors, alongside Noy Cohen and Tamar Segal-Peretz.
• The study has been peer-reviewed and published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, a journal of the American Chemical Society.

Statistics:

• Significant improvements in shear strength, strain at failure, and toughness were observed, with specific data not provided in the article.
• The number of ALD cycles affected the surface morphologies and mechanical responses, with variations in oxide type and cycle number induced distinct wrinkled and crease patterns.
• Surface energy was increased via ALD, contributing to the improved adhesion performance.

Sources:

• ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2025
• American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
• Elina Yachnin, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel