A molecular orbital study of the interactions of acrylic polymers with aluminum: Implications for adhesion

We present results of molecular orbital thory calculations of the interactions of acrylic polymers with aluminum, with a view toward understanding the nature of chemical bonding at the corresponding polymer‐metal interfaces. The reported results are for the interactions of polymer model compounds with metal atoms (as opposed to our ongoing studies with metal surfaces). As such, the results relate to experimental studies where small dosages of metal atoms are evaporated onto polymer surfaces in pristine high vacuum environments. Our studies have been conducted within the theoretical framework of Hartree‐Fock molecular orbital theory. We find that aluminum atoms interact primarily with the carbonyl group of acrylic polymers. The reaction proceeds by the metal atoms interacting with both the carbon and the oxygen atoms of the carbonyl functionality. This weakens the CO bond. Finally, the carbonyl bond loses double bond character, and strong AL—O bonds are formed. Our results are compared to experimental data, and the implications of the detailed nature of bonding for adhesion applications are discussed.