Chemical adhesion of silicone elastomers on primed metal surfaces: A comprehensive survey of open and patent literatures

• Basics on the adhesion via silane cocktails.
• Description of the main components of primer formulations.
• Specific chemistries of silicone attachments on metal surfaces.

The main objective of this review is to compile information regarding the chemical adhesion of silicone elastomers on primed metal surfaces. It additionally aims at giving some hints to formulate primer formulations, according to the mechanical and environmental properties targeted in the manufacture of composite parts. We first cover briefly the fundamental aspects of adhesion, the different mechanisms of strong and durable bonds generated using a primer, the various organosilanes employed as adhesion promoters for silicone elastomers on metals and the principle mechanical tests used to characterize the adhesive properties of composite parts. A complete description follows on the choices of solvent-based silane cocktails according to the nature of silicone elastomers to be stuck, namely free-radical, addition and condensation cured systems. Simple to complex mixtures are covered, as well as original patented approaches to adhere silicone to metals.