Plasma treatment
The platform is equipped with a PlasmaLine from Molecular Plasma Group which generates an atmospheric pressure plasma in 2 lines with a width of 30cm.
This device allows us to treat the surface of any material and to deposit coatings with thicknesses of a few 100nm for a wide range of chemicals/precursors. The machine is designed for inline use.
During a plasma treatment, a substrate is transported through a plasma zone, which is generated by means of a power source. This plasma zone consists of a gaseous mixture of energetic and active particles (electrons, ions, radicals, photons). Plasma treatment of a substrate can be performed as is (plasma activation) or by adding a precursor (plasma polymerization). The goal of the treatment is to change the surface chemistry of the substrate.
Advantages compared to traditional surface treatment techniques:
- It is a dry technique: no use of water
- Ecologically friendly: no use of solvents
- Modification of the surface chemistry without altering the bulk properties (tensile strength, tear resistance, flexibility, etc.)
Applications
- Changing the hydrophilicity / water-repellency of a surface
- Adhesion improvement
- Deposition of anti-microbial/ antibacterial/ antifouling coatings
- Increasing affinity to dyeing and printing
- Sterilization
- Influence the electrical conductivity
- Confer anti-crimp properties to wool
- Desize cotton