| Abstract: | Polyether-based polyurethane/poly (methyl methacrylate-co-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) interpenetrating polymer networks PU/P (MMA–co–EGDMA)-IPNs] were synthesized and used as adhesives to adhere vulcanized natural rubber (NR) and soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The structure and morphology of the IPN adhesives in bulk and near the adhesive/substrate interfaces were investigated. A new mechanism of adhesion called conjugate interpenetration of networks across interfaces, which is suitable for IPN adhesives and polymer substrates, was put forward. According to this mechanism, while forming simultaneous interpenetrating networks in the adhesive, the monomers in the IPN adhesive can permeate polymer substrates and polymerize in situ to form gradient IPNs, thereby producing conjugate three-component IPNs near the adhesive/substrate interfaces. It is the conjugate interpenetration of the networks across the interfaces that strengthens interfacial combination remarkably and results in high bond strength of IPN adhesives. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
