Surface modification of polymers plays a crucial role in determining their adhesion properties to other materials. Adhesion refers to the ability of a material to stick to another surface, which is essential in various applications such as coatings, composites, and bonding. The adhesion properties of polymers can be influenced by several factors, including the surface chemistry, surface morphology, and interfacial interactions between the polymer and the adherend the material to which the polymer is adhering .Surface modification of polymers involves altering the surface properties of the polymer to improve its adhesion to other materials. This can be achieved through various methods, such as physical treatments, chemical treatments, and plasma treatments. The main effects of surface modification on the adhesion properties of polymers are:1. Surface chemistry: Surface modification can change the chemical composition of the polymer surface, introducing new functional groups or altering the existing ones. This can lead to improved interfacial interactions between the polymer and the adherend, such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and covalent bonding. The presence of polar or reactive functional groups on the polymer surface can enhance its wettability, which is crucial for good adhesion.2. Surface morphology: Surface modification can also alter the surface morphology of the polymer, creating roughness or increasing the surface area. This can lead to mechanical interlocking between the polymer and the adherend, which can improve adhesion. A rough surface can also promote the penetration of the adherend into the polymer, leading to better interfacial interactions.3. Surface energy: Surface modification can change the surface energy of the polymer, which affects its wettability and adhesion to other materials. A higher surface energy can improve the wetting of the polymer by the adherend, leading to better adhesion. Surface energy can be altered by introducing polar functional groups or by increasing the surface roughness.4. Crosslinking: Some surface modification techniques, such as plasma treatments, can induce crosslinking in the polymer surface. Crosslinked polymers generally have improved mechanical properties, such as increased stiffness and strength, which can enhance the adhesion performance.5. Compatibility: Surface modification can improve the compatibility between the polymer and the adherend, especially if they have different chemical compositions. By introducing functional groups that can interact with the adherend, the interfacial interactions can be enhanced, leading to better adhesion.In conclusion, surface modification of polymers can significantly affect their adhesion properties to other materials by altering their surface chemistry, morphology, and energy. By tailoring the surface properties of polymers, it is possible to improve their adhesion performance in various applications, such as coatings, composites, and bonding.