Based on a good knowledge, of the basic processes occurring in the initial
stages of metal/polymer interface formation the preparation conditions cart
be selected to obtain a desired interfacial morphology. Very sharp or spre
ad-out metal/polymer interfaces can thus bf formed, the cluster density on
the surface can be adjusted, or metal clusters can be embedded into the pol
ymer in a controlled manner. This may have a strong impact on the macroscop
ic adhesion of metal films evaporated onto polymers.