(278f) Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Activation of Plastics for Improved Adhesion

AIChE
Abstract 2012 Text

The adhesion of bonded joints is of great concern to
the aerospace, automotive, medical device, and electronics industries.  We have
developed a new method of preparing polymers and composite surfaces for bonding
using low-temperature, atmospheric pressure plasmas.  This is a promising
technique for replacing traditional methods of surface preparation by
abrasion.  The plasma source generates an afterglow containing up to 1.0
volume% oxygen atoms.  The reactive gas rapidly activates the plastic surfaces,
such that when bonded and cured with epoxy adhesives, they undergo 100%
cohesive failure.  The strength of the bonded joints is increased by over 50%
from that obtained from materials activated by solvent abrasion.  Carboxylic
acid groups formed on the polymer surface appear to be responsible for the
strength enhancement.  This work is a great example of how the methods taught
by Professor Alex Bell may be used to engineer surfaces for enhanced
performance.