Researchers from the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh have recently published an article that included plasma surface treatment for interfacial bonding, using the Henniker Cirrus Atmospheric Plasma System.
The results displayed a significant improvement in the alloys surface wettability and hydrophilic properties.The work and results are summarised below.
(cited from the Materials and Design publication. [1])
Novel thermoplastic fibre-metal laminates manufactured by vacuum resin infusion: The effect of surface treatments on interfacial bonding.
Fig 1: Henniker's Cirrus atmospheric plasma treatment system mode nozzle
Introduction
In the paper, Resin-infused thermoplastic fibre-metal laminates (TP-FML) have been manufactured and the bond strength between the metal and composite was tested. The wettability, topography and chemical composition of the treated Al alloy sheets were studied by employing contact-angle goniometry, coherence scanning interferometry, profilometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Method
Prior to surface treatments, the Al alloy sheets were acetone-wiped with lint-free tissues to degrease the surface and afterwards they were subjected to four different surface treatments; alkaline etching, acid treatment, electrochemical etching and an atmospheric plasma treatment using a Henniker Cirrus system.
Fig 2: Henniker's Cirrus atmospheric plasma treatment system
Industry Applciation
In aerospace, automotive, and electronics, plasma surface treatment is used to reliably bond composites and polymers by raising surface energy. This allows consistent adhesion without aggressive primers or solvents, reducing failure rates in manufacturing.
Results
Surface wettability:
One pass of the atmospheric plasma nozzle at 1mm/s decreased the contact angle from 82 ± 1° to 32 ± 2.5°. This also increased the surface energy from 34.3mJ/m2 to 63.5mJ/m2. The atmospheric plasma treatment showed the most improved contact angle and surface energy measurements out of all four treatments used, with the next best being the acid etching decreasing contact angle to 37 ± 3° and increasing surface energy 61.05mJ/m2.
“The plasma-treated Al alloy surface exhibited a significant improvement in the surface wettability due to increased surface polarity. The oxidation of the surface and the removal of the carbonaceous components made the Al surface more hydrophilic.” [2]
Chemical Composition:
The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method was adopted to determine the chemical composition on the surface of the treated Al alloy samples. The atomic fraction of carbon on the surface of the degreased-only Al alloy sample was ~72%, which was reduced to 48% after atmospheric plasma treatment
Explore the Cirrus Plasma System and see how it boosts adhesion performance in automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Keywords; Fibre-metal laminates, Thermoplastic matrix, Surface treatments, Interface bonding, Mechanical properties
Full article and [1] & [2] – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127518308542
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FAQs:
Q: How does plasma surface treatment improve interfacial bonding?
A: Plasma modifies surface energy, enhancing adhesion between polymers, composites, or adhesives without chemical primers.
Q: Which system is used in this bonding study?
A: The Cirrus Plasma System, ideal for inline surface activation.
Q: Which industries use plasma for bonding improvement?
A: Aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries use plasma to enhance bonding performance in structural and component assemblies.
