The plasma affects the surface by either delivering the reactive species required for the modification, or by delivering energy to the surface to initiate a reaction as is the case with plasma-facilitated cross-linking. This atmospheric plasma process can be used to quickly improve the adhesion of two materials. An air plasma treatment of around 100 milliseconds is often all that is needed to greatly enhance adhesion and bonding on difficult-to-bond materials. Even Teflon and silicone surfaces can be plasma treated to provide reliable adhesion using atmospheric plasma technology.
At APS, we have developed an in-line system capable of meeting these needs at atmospheric pressure. Our atmospheric plasma downstream (APD) system rapidly modifies the surface of even the most challenging materials.