Process to increase the reactivity of surfaces in order to provide higher interaction with other substances.
A main application is the activation of polymer plastic surfaces. Most polymer materials have low surface energy so that wetting of the surface by liquids is poor. Therefore also Adhesion of coatings based on these liquids is poor.
The surface energy of substrates can be increased by Plasma Activation preferably by using Oxygen for process gas. Integration of Oxygen atoms in surfaces of hydrocarbons such as Polyolefins creates polarity of the surface where molecules tend to adhere.
Activation can also be provided by Corona, Flame activation or by liquid chemical activation.
After Activation most substrates can be coated or printed with durable adhesion.
