What Technology Should I Use To Treat My Film?, 2003 PLACE Conference & GLOBAL HOT MELT Symposium

Surface preparation of flexible packaging film today requires an investigation of all methods of surface treatment currently available. Surface treatment is a process by which the surface energy of a substrate is increased without significant impact on morphology. Further, surface treatment does not result in covering the film surface by deposition or chemical priming. The mechanism of surface energy change is plasma, i.e., an energetic gas containing various electrons, ions, and atomic particles. Most plasmas used in surface treatment are air-plasmas with the result being an oxidation of the film surface. This paper covers the major methods by which low, medium and high energy plasmas are utilized. Treatment methods such as Corona, Flame, Atmospheric Plasma and Vacuum Plasma are all viable considerations depending on application’s requirements. To help converters select the best technology for their application, this paper will compare application processes, treatment effectiveness, cost factors and ease of use of each system.