Surface activation Intertronics style

30th March 2017

Intertronics

Peter Smith

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A new development, the Relyon Plasma Piezobrush PZ2 from Intertronics, has nozzle attachment options for surface activation across a wide range of applications for better adhesion on surfaces that can be difficult to bond, print on, coat or laminate. Treatment of metals and smaller and more precise applications are now possible by choice of a suitable nozzle, while the use of a variety of special gases also enhance the possibilities of PDD (Piezoelectric Direct Discharge) on challenging substrates.

Based on the direct, electric discharge at an openly operated piezoelectric transformer, low input voltage is transformed, resulting in high electric field strengths. The Piezobrush PZ2’s ionised energy output of cold active plasma gives successful pre-treatment and surface activation, enhancing wetting and adhesion with Standard, Nearfield, and Multigas-and-Needle nozzle options.

When used on conductive surfaces the Piezobrush PZ2 Nearfield Nozzle helps resolve issues where direct plasma discharges can damage some substrates or even the plasma device itself. Inside the PZ2 Nearfield Nozzle, a glass inlet forms a dielectric barrier and changes the type of discharge, distributing the power from the direct discharge uniformly over the treatment area, therefore eliminating the possibility of damage to the surface. This allows metals and other conductive substrates to be treated with confidence

Surface activation using the PZ2 Nearfield Nozzle can allow printing on materials which in normal conditions form poor bonds with inks. A good example is a printed anodised aluminium and polyethylene composite material (Alu-Dibond®) where a cross-cut test on the patterns shows that there is a significant adhesion improvement. A short treatment by the Piezobrush PZ2 gives distinctly better results for the ink bonding in this, and many other cases.

The PZ2 Multigas-and-Needle Nozzle can be used without a special gas (using ambient air) for a very precise surface activation treatment with a needle jet of plasma. This narrow output of plasma energy can be used for the treatment of very fine structures including undercuts or small holes.

Alternatively, the PZ2 Multigas and Needle Nozzle can be used with an input of additional selected inert gases, which allows a range of processes to be implemented which would be impossible with normal gases such as air or nitrogen alone.

For example, to treat Teflon (PTFE) a plasma gas with a special composition is used. This is a situation found where small PTFE inner coated catheters may be successfully treated to allow improved wetting. In tests comparison shows the increased degree of wetting of the catheter achieved on the basis of capillary forces, with an improvement of over 300% being possible.