In situ ATR-FTIR studies of the aluminium/polymer interface upon exposure to water and electrolyte

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) with the Kretschmann configuration was applied for in situ studies of the transport of water and ionic species through a polymer film to an aluminium/polymer interface. The time dependent intensity changes of the infrared bands of water were used to follow the transport of water to the aluminium/polymer interfacial region and a NaSCN solution was employed as model electrolyte to follow the transport and accumulation of thiocyanate ions. Apart from water sorption and ion transport, the main processes identified were corrosion/oxidation of the aluminium surface and swelling of the polymer film. The method proved to be useful for detailed in situ studies of changes at a polymer coated metal surface, such as oxidation and surface film formation on the metal. It should also be possible to study the effects of defects and pores in the polymer film on the transport properties of water and ions to the metal/polymer interface, as well as adsorption and other chemical reactions and physical interactions in the metal/polymer interfacial region.