The effect of silane incorporation on a metal adhesive interface: A study by electron energy loss spectroscopy

A silane-based adhesive formulation, used in the aerospace industry, was studied using sub-nanometre spatially resolved energy loss spectroscopy, as a function of the concentration of silane used in the adhesive. The changes in the relative oxygen concentration and the occupancy of p-type states in the oxygen density of states reveal the existence of a composite layer between the aluminium and the epoxy resin. This composite layer is prevalent in the 1% (w/w) organosilane sample, whilst it is smaller or absent for the 0.5% and 2% (w/w) silane concentration. These observations correlate well with the observed macroscopic durabilities observed when these adhesives are used for the structural adhesive bonding of aluminium aerospace alloys. (c) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.