Plasmatreat Surface Solution
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surace tension: difference between hydrophob and hydrophil

Measuring surface energy—The starting point for plasma pretreatment

Every material surface has a specific surface energy. Every liquid (such as ink) also has an inherent tension. Reliable adhesion with long-term stability of printing, gluing or coating requires that the surface energy of the material is greater than that of the liquid. Plastics, for example, have predominantly low surface energy (often less than 28 mN/m). If these plastics are to be printed, a surface energy of 40 mN/m for solvent inks or a surface energy of 56 mN/m for UV-curing systems is required. If water-based paint systems are used, the surface energy has to be above 72 mN/m.

For many industrial applications it is crucial that adhesives and/or printing inks and surface properties are optimally aligned. Targeted pretreatment with atmospheric-pressure plasma achieves a significant increase in surface tension. This gives materials the optimum capabilities for accepting printing ink (wettability) or adhesion.

Before plasma treatment: Low surface energy, higher contact angle (α > 90°) approx. 20mN/m
After Plasma treatment: Higher surface energy, lower contact angle (α < 20°) approx. 60mN/m

Plasmatreat offers different possibilities and services to measure the surface energy of your material

Test Ink Online Order

You can choose from among ethanol test inks, formamide test inks, and methanol test inks, each available in two Dyne sizes and as practical kits in carrying cases.

AntiCorr® Test Fluids

In less than 60 seconds, this pioneering approach assesses corrosion by applying copper sulfate—a highly acidic and corrosive liquid—as a droplet to the surface.

Plasmatreat Test Inks

A simple method to measure the surface energy of various materials, such as plastic, glass, and recycled or composite materials.

Plasmatreat Surface Solution

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