Joining of polymer and surface-modified solid part

Abstract

The present invention relates to alternative methods of joining a solid part (1) and a polymer (2). The methods comprise attaching a primer layer (4) with a predetermined surface chemistry, density and thickness covalently to at least a part of a surface (3) of the solid part (1). Some embodiments of the invention further comprise polymerizing second molecules onto the primer layer (4) so that the surface (3) is at least partly covered with surface immobilized polymer brushes (8). The surface (3) of the solid part (1) is brought into contact with the polymer (2) and a predetermined temperature profile is applied resulting in covalent bonds (6) being established between the polymer (2) and the primer (4), and/or polymer brushes (8) melting or softening and entangling with melted or softened polymer (2) so that the solid part (1) and the polymer (2) remain joined after cooling. The obtained strength of the bonding between the solid part (1) and the polymer (2) is significantly higher than if the same materials are joined with conventional methods not comprising the establishment of a primer layer (4).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.