Primer system for bonding conventional adhesives and coatings to silicone rubber

This research examines a novel, two-part primer system that allows almost any adhesive or coating to adhere strongly to silicone rubber. Based on cyanoacrylate, the system forms a thin coating that binds tightly to silicone and provides a porous, nanostructured surface to which adhesives and coatings can bond well. Crucial to the effectiveness of the primer layer is the solvent used in the second part of the primer system. The layer׳s polycyanoacrylate forms as a gel in the presence of that solvent and is subject to the solvent׳s chemical and physical influences. When the solvent has little affinity for the polycyanoacrylate, as well as a small surface tension, the gel is able to withstand capillary stresses exerted by the evaporating solvent and become a xerogel with extensive porosity and nanostructure.