Influence of the surface Cr/Fe concentration ratio on the durability of stainless steel/epoxy joints

A loss of adhesion at interfaces between epoxy and inorganic substrates is everywhere observed under hydrothermal stress. Factors influencing the strength and durability of AISI 304 stainless steel epoxy bonding were studied by determining chemical and physical properties of the adherent surfaces. In particular the effects of the surface Cr/Fe concentration ratio and the mechanical interlocking are investigated in the case of anodization treatments.