2.2. The standard sample
In concept, Primer A supplies the molecules that initiate cyanoacrylate polymerization in and on the silicone rubber surface and Primer B supplies the cyanoacrylate monomer and “poor” solvent that together produce the nanostructured polycyanoacrylate primer layer. In practice, however, learning how to prepare the best primer layer required exploration and optimization of many separate parameters. The active molecules, solvents, concentrations, and application procedures for both primers had to be investigated carefully and, to some extent, simultaneously. The work also involved trying different silicone rubbers and a full range of adhesives.