Plasma surface activation of materials prior to gluing is one of the most common uses of plasma. The inherently ‘cold’ plasma process allows temperature-sensitive materials to be treated as equally as well as metals, glass and ceramics.
In each case the action of the plasma is two-fold; removal of organic contamination from the surface followed by increased wettability of the surface. Plasma processing does not affect the bulk properties of a material in any way. The increased surface energy results in a significantly stronger bond of most materials with many adhesives. We also offer a wide range of surface test methods for comparison of pre- and post-plasma treated parts.
Plasma Treatment Prior to Gluing
- Plasma removes organic contamination from the surface
- Plasma surface activation makes the surface more wettable
- Typically 2-fold to a 10-fold improvement in lap-shear strength and peel-strength
- Adhesion to polymers, glass, ceramics and metal are all improved
