Solvent effect on PMMA coating adhesion to soda lime silicate glass

Adhesion behavior is a primary consideration when applying a coating to any substrate material. Polymer coatings have been applied to glass for enhanced surface properties and protection. Several research studies have been performed on how the solvent used affects the coating properties such as glass transition temperature, relaxation behavior, and surface morphology. While multiple experiments have been conducted to investigate the solvent effect on polymer adhesion to various substrate materials, research has not yet been substantially conducted using glass as the substrate material. Here, the effect of various solvents on poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) adhesion to soda lime silicate glass is investigated. PMMA is dissolved in four different solvents, acetone, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and toluene and coated onto 20 × 20 mm² glass substrates via spin coating. Four different methods for measuring coating thickness are explored including ellipsometry, profilometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adhesion is assessed qualitatively via the tape test, ASTM D3359-23. Thickness data showed conclusive proof that the spin coatings were nonuniform. Ultimately, results from the tape test show a solvent effect on PMMA adhesion to glass, establishing toluene to be the strongest out of the four for adhesion. Recommendations for experimental testing and characterization methods are presented.