Improved adhesion between nickel -titanium shape memory alloy and a polymer matrix via silane coupling agents

NiTi wires were functionalized with silane coupling agents to improve interfacial adhesion between the inorganic constituent and a host matrix for composite applications. Surface derivatization was characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and mechanical pullout tests were performed to quantify the increase in adhesion between the NiTi shape memory alloy wires and polymer matrix. Improvements of roughly 100% in the adhesion was realized as compared to unfunctionalized samples or to samples functionalized with an unreactive silane coupling agent.