Correlation of molecular conformation with adhesion at AlOx∕poly (ethylene terephthalate) interface studied by sum-frequency generation spectroscopy

The interface between AlOx and poly(ethylene terephthalate) has been investigated by sum-frequency generation (SFG). A considerable improvement in adhesion strength was achieved by short time Ar plasma modification. The increase of the adhesion strength shows good correlation with the increase of the SFG peak strength. By depositing AlOx, the increase of SFG intensities and appearance of a new peak are observed, indicating the formation of a CO⋯Al bond at the interface. Surface-modification and interfacial adhesion property are discussed.