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In the industrial / medical arena, material surfaces that require cleaning, coating or chemical modification are immersed into the energetic environment of an RF plasma. In addition to the strong chemical effects of an RF plasma, directional effects also play an important role. Particles carrying momentum to the surface can physically remove the more inert surface contaminants, and cross-link polymers to lock the plasma treatment in place.
PVA TePla’s line of atmospheric plasma products has found their niche in the same broad spectrum of industries as low pressure systems. The low capitol cost, localized treatment and in situ application of atmospheric plasma has opened new markets for surface modification by plasma.
Choice of material in today's manufacturing arena is paramount. Certain polymers, for example, offer ideal structural characteristics being light weight, strong, moldable, and above all low cost. However, the criteria defining such bulk characteristics often conflicts with required surface properties. Adhesive bonding, potting, encapsulation and ink marking are difficult with most polymers. Elastomers, used for seals and o-rings, inherently have high coefficients of friction. Immuno-assay and cell culture plates have limited bio-response. Instead of finding new materials that meet the right compromise between bulk and surface, gas plasma treatment can tailor surface characteristics to meet application needs without changing the bulk properties of the polymer. This means that you can continue using your material of choice and plasma processing will ensure that your product can be adhesively assembled, printed on, have reduced surface friction, increased surface functionality, etc. Gas plasma treatment can be used to etch, clean, activate, chemically modify or coat almost any surface.
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