A Study of Chemical Interactions at the Stainless Steel/Polymer Interface by Infrared Spectroscopy. Part 1: Interaction Mechanisms Between Succinic Anhydride and 304 Stainless Steel

Abstract In order to study, by infrared spectroscopy techniques (FTIR), the interfacial interaction of a polymer functionalized by maleic anhydride, with stainless steel, an analytical methodology has been established. Interfacial chemical interactions of maleic anhydride with stainless steel are simulated through a thin layer of succinic anhydride on a polished metal surface. FTIR spectroscopy (grazing angle) permits a direct access of the interphase for identifying new bonds between organic and metallic compounds. Interaction of succinic anhydride with the polar OH groups of the oxidized metal surface followed a reactional mechanism which can be described by two steps: —opening of the anhydride ring for reacting with adsorbed water and formation of an acid group (—COOH) —reaction of the acid group with the hydroxylic function of the metal surface and formation of carboxylate anion (—COO—) groups. Thermal stability of carboxylate groups is good but the effects of water, studied on thin layers of organic ...