Each year, about Easter time, we are reminded of the continuing growth in the use of adhesives. The Annual Conference here at The City University provides a focal point for discussion, both formal and informal, on expansion and development. For those who attend the Conference its rewards and usefulness are immediate and obvious, but its influence extends to a wider audience through the regular publication of the papers. Here in Volume 11 of the series we offer the latest instalment, the papers presented and discussed in 1986. May I express gratitude to all those who, by their continuing support, both in presenting papers and in attending the meeting, make the whole event so successful and rewarding. Thank you all, very much. K. W. ALLEN Vll Contents Preface . v 1. The Strength and Durability of Adhesive Joints Made Underwater M. R. Bowditch, 1. D. Clarke and K. 1. Stannard (Admiralty Research Establishment, Holton Heath,Poole, Dorset, UK) 2. Some Aspects of Silane Technology for Surface Coatings and Adhesives 17 C. Kerr and P. Walker (SCT Materials, Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Building SB43, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire RG74PR, UK) 3. Ester Polymers and their Interaction with Alumina Studied by Inelastic Electron Tunnelling Spectroscopy . 38 J. Comyn, C. C. Horley, R. G. Pritchard and R. R. Mallik (Faculty of Science, Leicester Polytechnic, PO Box 143, Leicester LEI 9HB, UK) 4. Ultrasonic Exploration of Adhesive Bonds by Acoustic Microscopy 56 D. M. Thaker and N. J.