The present invention is directed to a method for the lamination of
fluoropolymers to the surfaces of metals, and especially to copper, gold,
and platinum, and to printed circuit board (PCB) substrate at temperatures
substantially below the sintering temperatures or melting temperatures of
the fluoropolymers. More specifically, the invention is directed to a
method for surface modification of fluoropolymers by thermal graft
copolymerization with concurrent lamination of metals in the presence of a
functional monomer and an adhesive such as an epoxy resin. The process can
be carried out under atmospheric conditions and in the complete absence of
an added polymerization initiator. The laminated fluoropolymer-metal or
fluoropolymer-PCB substrate interfaces exhibit T-peel strengths of no less
than 8 N/cm. This invention can also be applied to substantially improve
the adhesion between PCB substrates and metals.