Surface treatments are used to modify the properties of a material. These treatments are found in many industries, as they can improve the ability of a surface to bond with other materials in a process known as adhesion. By combining adhesion with surface treatments, materials can be made more suitable for different uses, such as painting, printing, glueing, and coating.
What are surface treatments?
Surface treatments alter the chemical or physical characteristics of the outermost layer of a material. Delivered by surface treatment specialists such as www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/, this process can increase the surface energy of the material to make it more receptive to bonding with other substances. The aim of surface treatments is often to clean the surface, remove any weak boundary layers, and create a more chemically active surface that will form stronger bonds.
Plasma treatment
Plasma treatment exposes the surface of the material to a plasma, which is a state of matter similar to gas but with charged particles. The plasma is usually created by applying an electrical discharge to a gas such as oxygen, nitrogen, or argon. When the plasma comes into contact with the surface, it cleans it thoroughly and creates chemical groups that improve the bonding. Plasma treatment is useful for treating plastics and other materials that are usually difficult to bond.
Corona treatment
Corona treatment is used in the production of plastic tubes and containers. It exposes a treatable material to a high-voltage electrical discharge, which is known as a corona. This discharge ionises the air around the material, which creates ozone and other active species that oxidise the surface. Corona treatment increases the surface energy of the material, making it more receptive to coatings and adhesives.
Flame treatment
Flame treatment uses a controlled flame to modify the surface of a material, which is usually a polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. As the flame passes over the surface, it oxidises it; in turn, this improves the adhesion. This process is often used in the packaging industry to prepare plastic bottles and containers for printing or labelling.
