Polyolefins are becoming noticeably more relevant. This is due to their low cost and relatively lowcarbon footprint. Due to their low surface energy, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which are considered non-polar materials, are difficult to bond, coat or otherwise combine with other materials.
Plasma treatment makes a significant contribution to expanding the spectrum of material bonding and surface modification. With this in mind, Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH (NMB) has acquired an updated plasma facility. This can be used in particular for extended investigations of its polyurethane (PUR) in-mold coating process when non-polar carrier materials, such as polyolefins, are to be flooded with PUR. Plasma, an ionized gas with various active chemical species, can specifically modify the surface. During treatment, the high-energy species interact with the polymer surface, significantly increasing the surface energy of the polymer and improving its wettability and adhesion to other materials.
The advantages of plasma treatment are manifold: it enables the secure bonding of non-polar materials with a wide range of materials, including metals, glass, ceramics and other polymers. This opens up numerous possibilities for innovative product developments for a wide range of industries.
In addition, plasma treatment eliminates the need for adhesion promoters or other chemical primers, which can often be harmful to the environment. This leads to a reduction in production costs and improves the ecological footprint. Plasma treatment is also a very precise process for creating a uniform surface modification, which is particularly beneficial for complex geometries where dimensional accuracy plays a major role.
The new addition complements the range of modern processes in the technical center for product development for NMB's partners.
