Polifibra Focuses on the Plasma Treatment of Films

21.03.2023 - Plasma treatment of plastic films is still in an early phase of development. So far, there are only a few machines worldwide – one of them being Polifibra Folien GmbH in Limburg an der Lahn – that allow for plasma treatment of large areas of films. The facility covers a total of 110 m², offers a maximum working width of 2,200 mm and can withstand a shaft load – when rolling and unrolling – of up to 999 kg. The innovative plasma treatment provides high-quality results that are significantly more impervious and environmentally friendly than conventional processes besides.

We’re surrounded by films or polymer surfaces, used in almost any area of life as well as in numerous industrial applications, day in day out. Due to its nature, the surface tension of non-treated polymer film is very low, so that they may not easily be bonded with substrates, inks, coatings or adhesives (as required for industrial application). For this reason, an energetic activation of the film’s surface through treatment is necessary to bring about desired material and adhesive properties. Conventional film treatment usually uses chemical processes for this purpose and with very good results – but – these also produce chemical by-products and due to the drying phases require tremendous amounts of energy. Also commonly used is the corona treatment of films. Despite being very cheap and comparatively simple, results and efficiency are often unmanageable and not homogeneous due to its dependence on air conditions. It isn’t uncommon for surface damage to occur due to this rather aggressive form of treatment.

Die Plasma treatment provides a remedy and overcomes the disadvantages of other methods because all treatment components used are gaseous (mainly industrial-grade nitrogen) and there are no chemical by-products. In addition, the environment for said treatment is manageable, thus guaranteeing reproducibility of results. The premium treatment (without damaging the surface) produces long-lasting results and impeccable quality. In addition to being environmentally friendly, plasma treatment is also a financially sound solution because of the considerably reduced energy consumption because there is no need for costly thermal processes. Also readily available: tailor-made treatment for specific areas of application. Nonetheless, as with any innovative technology, plasma treatment of films is an uncharted and broad territory where lots of study and research is still needed. Polifibra Folien GmbH assumes this pioneering role and, in cooperation with research institutes, has the vision of continuously developing and perfecting plasma treatment for films.

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