Plasma Treatments

Plasma surface activation to improve adhesion

Improved Adhesion to Engineering Polymers

Plasma treatment surface activation of Engineering Polymers, such as PEEK, PTFE and POM, is a reliable and effective technique for increasing print adhesion and bond strength.

Many engineering polymers have characteristically low surface energy and therefore exhibit intrinsically poor adhesion characteristics. This is an important obstacle in achieving reliable glue joints for print adhesion applications onto materials widely used in the medical device industry for example. Several clients use our in-line atmospheric plasma surface treatment to successfully increase the surface energy of PEEK from 35mN/m to >72mN/m, ensuring permanent PAD print adhesion.  The treatment is active on PEEK for several weeks and so parts can be stored until needed.

In another example, vacuum plasma treatment of PTFE has been adopted for printing and gluing steps in catheter manufacture, where we have been able to modify the PTFE surface to produce a permanent change in surface energy from 18mN/m to >72mN/m.

Improved Adhesion to Engineering Polymers - Image of engineering polymers

Plasma Treatment Engineering Polymers

  • Small scale in-line treatment and industrial sized vacuum chamber treatments available
  • Improved bonding of paint and printed inks to polymer surface
  • Specific surface functionality without affecting bulk properties
  • Hydrophobic, oleophobic and hydrophilic properties are possible

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    Dr Ravi Desai - Making Lab, Francis Crick Institute

    Francis Crick Institute
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    Queens Uni Belfast
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    Queens Uni Belfast
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    University of Bradford
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Henniker 3 Berkeley Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1TQ, UK

+44 (0)1925 830 771   +44 (0)1925 800 035     info@plasmatreatment.co.uk