Nanoscale surface processing of extrusion coated substrates with atmospheric piasma technology

In the project, two types of atmospheric plasma systems were installed to TUT pilot line for processing of roll-ro-roll materials (Plasma A & Plasma B) Various line speeds, parameters and treatment combinations were tested for adhesion improvement. In addition, treatment of several R2R substrates was demonstrated, including paperboard & plastic films. Compared to traditional surface treatment methods like corona, atmospheric DBD (dielectric barrier discharge) plasma processes offer new possibilities for R2R surface modification at ambient pressure. Enhanced adhesion properties by both plasma activation and plasma surface grafting were observed. Plasma activation with Plasma A lead to higher adhesion values than with conventional corona treatment. The highest adhesion values were obtained with the combination of Plasma A and Plasma S.-) A as result, the coating weight of PLA could be reduced in the target application by using plasma pre-treatments. This is because, in contrast to corona, adequate adhesion level can be achieved even with lower coating weights.