COLD-PLASMA TREATMENT OF ELASTOMERIC SILICONE SURFACES

Elastomeric silicones reinforced by fillers and fibers are interesting materials as internal thermal protection in modern solid propellant r ockets However, an adhesion primer is needed because of their poor bon d strength to case and propellant. It is shown in this study that micr owave or radiofrequency plasma treatment with gas rich in oxygen, crea te strong interfaces by oxydation reactions, and give cohesive failure at high level in silicone elastomer and propellant. Such a technique could replace chemical treatment to promote adhesion