The adhesion strength and water resistance of stainless steel and adhesive resin composites determine the long-term performance of wires and cables; however, adhesion at stainless steel interfaces is difficult. Herein, we prepared ethylene acrylic acid/linear low-density polyethylene (EAA/LLDPE) blends with good mechanical and adhesive properties. Silane was anchored to the surface of stainless steel. The effects of silane functionalization on the adhesion surface were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The reaction mechanism between the stainless steel, silane, and EAA/LLDPE revealed adhesion was optimized when a 3:7 volume ratio of 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MEMO): 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (A-1110) was used to modify the stainless steel substrate. SEM images of EAA/LLDPE film peel surfaces found the silane-treated stainless steel substrates produced rough surfaces with a uniform void indicating the silane treatment enhanced the stainless steel and EAA/LLDPE film interaction. The stainless steel and EAA/LLDPE film adhesion and water resistance improved and the peel strength after water resistance testing at 68 degrees C for 168 h increased from 3.18 N/cm to 9.37 N/cm compared to untreated stainless steel. Silane-modified stainless steel and EAA/LLDPE blend film composite materials demonstrate potential for application in wires and cables used in environmental corrosion-resistant applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2019. (c) 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers