SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF EPOXY PHOSPHATE STEEL SURFACE MODIFIERS.

The synthesis of epoxy phosphate materials, their characterization, and subsequent use to modify typical steel surfaces is reported. The epoxy phosphate materials are multifunctional oligomers having chemical groups capable of reacting with steel surfaces, as well as with polymer functional groups present in coatings or adhesives. They are the reaction products of conventional, bisphenol A epichlorohydrin, epoxy resins and phosphoric acid. The **1**3C NMR and infrared spectroscopic studies indicate the presence of the phosphate functional group, characteristic of the anticipated reaction products. Steel substrates were easily modified by these materials to yield a thin (approximately 400 Angstrom) film.