The primer system that has been developed is based on cya-
noacrylates, but not as adhesives. Instead, it uses cyanoacrylates to
modify the silicone rubber surface so that other adhesives and
coatings can bind strongly to it. Although polymerization is an
essential part of the primer system, the formation of dense mac-
roscopic regions of polycyanoacrylate is undesirable because those
regions would stiffen and embrittle the silicone rubber surface.
The primer system therefore produces a nanostructured polymer
layer that has minimal effect on the mechanical characteristics of
the silicone rubber surface and leaves it soft and pliable. Moreover,
the highly textured and porous polymer layer allows adhesives
and coatings to bind to it tightly.