Aktivointikäsittelyjä

Aktivointikäsittelyjä, known in English as activation treatments, refers to a range of surface modification processes used to enhance the adhesion and wettability of materials. These treatments are commonly applied to polymers, plastics, and other non-polar surfaces that inherently exhibit low surface energy, making them difficult to bond to or print on. The primary goal of activation is to increase the surface energy and introduce polar functional groups onto the material's surface, thereby improving its chemical reactivity and physical interaction with subsequent coatings, adhesives, or inks.

Common activation methods include plasma treatment, corona discharge, flame treatment, and chemical etching. Plasma treatment involves exposing the material to a low-temperature ionized gas, which alters the surface chemistry. Corona discharge uses a high-voltage electrical discharge in the air to oxidize the surface. Flame treatment utilizes a controlled flame to oxidize and functionalize the surface. Chemical etching involves the use of specific chemicals to remove a thin layer of the material and create a more receptive surface.

The effectiveness of activation treatments is often evaluated by measuring surface energy, contact angle, and adhesion strength. These treatments are crucial in various industries, including automotive, packaging, printing, and electronics, where strong and durable bonds are essential for product performance and longevity. By preparing the surface appropriately, manufacturers can ensure better integration of different materials and improve the overall quality of their products.