FEICA 2024 European Adhesive & Sealant Conference and EXPO
NH Conference Centre, Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands - 11-13 September 2024

Presentation Abstract

Functional Plasma Coatings - a Sustainable Alternative to Wet-Chemical, Solvent-Based Processes

When surface pre-treatment processes such as cleaning or activation did not lead to the desired performance of an adhesive bond, it was common practice to use wet-chemical, solvent-based primers, although their negative impact on the environment, human health and work safety (EHS) is obvious. With the increasing awareness for sustainability, the industry is now actively searching for less harmful alternatives. This talk will introduce MPG’s novel technology, that improves sustainability with a significant performance improvement, rather than a compromise.

The technology uses cold atmospheric plasma as a vector to covalently bond organic chemicals onto any kind of substrate, thus generating a permanent nanocoating. By doing this, the surface can be functionalized in various ways, one of which is the improvement of the adhesive properties of former inert materials. Based on the ingredients of the given adhesive or sealant, suitable functional groups are selected and the molecules then grafted to the surface in a single-step, dry and solvent-free process. Using just the pure molecules results in a very low chemical consumption. There is also no need for filtration systems, drying ovens, or post-combustion of VOC, which makes it not only a sustainable, but also an efficient technology.