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Inline Corona Surface Treatment

Inline Corona Surface Treatment

In the world of Low Surface Energy (LSE) materials, Corona treatment is a crucial part of the Halco production line to ensure that adhesives bond securely to Halco Hook & Loop Products.

Halco’s investment in new Corona surface treatment technology is one of the many ways we are demonstrating our commitment to remain at the forefront of the reclosable fastening products market. Whether you are in Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, Industrial, etc., Corona treating allows for endless cost-effective possibilities and higher quality finished components and products.

The process of Corona treatment allows lamination of Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA’s) to Low Surface Energy substrates whilst eliminating the need for costly surface prep primers and specialty adhesives.

How Corona Surface Treatment Works

Plastic is a man-made synthetic material, which contains long homogeneous molecular chains that form a strong and uniform product. The molecules are normally joined end to end forming long chains resulting in only a few open chain ends, thus providing a small amount of bonding points at the surface. The small amount of bonding points causes the low adhesion which is a problem in the converting process. The Corona treatment produces a high-frequency charge which modifies the energy dyne level of the material. This high-frequency charge accelerates the electrons on the plastic surface causing the long chains to rupture, causing countless open ends to form, which can then be adhered to. This process is an efficient and controllable way of increasing the adhesion and wettability of the plastic surface for a strong permanent bond.

The treatment process is an essential part of our production line and provides our clients with a wider range of adhesive/fastener capabilities.

In summary:

  • The treatment creates a high voltage electrical discharge known as Corona Discharge.
  • High energy Corona Discharge effectively severs molecular bond chains on the surface of the material.
  • This surface modification results in enhanced surface energy and increased adhesion.

What is Low Surface Energy? 

“Surface energy ranges from high to low. To illustrate the concept of surface energy, think of water on the unwaxed hood of a car. The unwaxed hood has high surface energy and water on the hood flows into puddles. In comparison, a waxed hood has low surface energy and the water beads up rather than flows out. Similar to water, adhesive on a high surface energy surface flows and “wets out” the surface. “Wetting out” is required to form a strong bond.” – 3M Substrates and Adhesion

Learn about different surfaces and their associated surface energies:

3M Surface Energy Chart

Learn more about the Corona Treatment Process and request samples by speaking with a Halco sales representative.

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