Use of Ion Scattering and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry to Characterize Apparent “Adhesive” Failure in an Adhesive Bond

Abstract Frequently it is not easy using visual or even microscopic examination of an adhesive joint to determine after physical testing whether an apparent adhesive failure occurred at the original interface due to improper wetting or at some new interface leaving behind a thin layer of adhesive. Elemental analysis techniques such as ion scattering spectrometry (ISS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) are easily capable of determining the locus of failure in an adhesive joint. The use of these two techniques in combination is shown for investigating adhesive bonding phenomena. The operating parameters as well as advantages and disadvantages of each are summarized. ISS-SIMS data are shown for two adherend surfaces which broke in a lap shear test by apparent cohesive failure in both the adhesive and adherend.