Influence of surface treatment on the surface energy of an aluminium substrate

Abstract

The mechanisms by which adhesion occurs are known. In all cases, the search for an adequate surface condition is decisive in achieving a good adhesion. For this reason, the researches usually work on modifying the surface roughness or improving the thermodynamic characteristics of the surface. The objective on this work is to analyse influence of different attack types (chemical, mechanic, with laser...) which are used to improve surface finish, roughness and surface energy. We have analysed the effects that have produced in the contact angle, measuring the surface energy by the Zisman method. The results revealed that the method of attack has more influence on the value of surface energy than the values of roughness obtained, which can make rethink the type of surface treatment to improve adhesion.