Fire and flame for new plastic surfaces

       

The coating and bonding of plastics requires the surface to be pre-treated. Flame treatment is one way to achieve the activation. Researchers are looking to expand the opportunities provided by this technology. Interested companies can help advance its industrialisation.

When plastic bumpers were first introduced they were black because paint did not adhere very well to the surface.

Flame treatment meets surface chemistry

"Our aim is to expand the range of functionalization and produce bespoke surfaces for special applications. For example, we produce specific functional groups on the surface as reaction partners for reactive adhesives. This enables us to create a high-performance composite with a much better adhesion than with ordinary activation", explains Dr. Andreas Holländer, a specialist for surface technologies at the Fraunhofer IAP.

Expertise in surface chemistry and machine engineering

The partners combine the Fraunhofer IAP’s expertise in surface chemistry with Esse-ci's know-how in flame treatment. They hope to utilise the energy of the flame for chemical processes that go beyond simple oxidation. This requires chemicals to be added to the flame, for example in the form of gases, vapours or aerosols. The studies are conducted in a plastic film processing plant at the Fraunhofer IAP. "Here we test which effects are produced by the chemicals. Using this knowledge, Esse-ci's mechanical engineers enhance the next generation of equipment”, says Holländer.

Rapid industrialisation with new partners

In order to facilitate the industrialization of this new generation of flame treatment systems, interested companies are invited to take part this year in the project. They can influence the detailed planning, for example, of materials and process parameters, and receive first-hand information and research results. The Fraunhofer IAP and esse CI also provide workshops on the technology, equipment and project results.