Air Plasma Technology Applied to Surface Treatment of Plastics

Advanced technology company APJeT reports that it is now applying the air plasma process to the surface treatment of plastic parts prior to marking or labelling. The cold plasma technique eliminates the need to use heat and chemicals to increase wettability and adhesion in substrates, while reducing safety risks, environmental impact, and material degradation, said the company. The technology is compatible with many types of polymers, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The plasma is generated at atmospheric pressure and industrial line speeds using inexpensive gasses, explained APJeT. The plasma systems are engineered to cause powerful chemical surface reactions without altering the bulk strength or other desirable properties of the material. By changing the surface tension of a plastic substrate, the plasma process makes it hydrophilic, increasing wettability and promoting adhesion by allowing water-based inks and dyes to be more easily absorbed into and bonded with the substrate.