POTSDAM, Germany – The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam, Germany, and the Italian company esse CI are uniting their expertise in surface chemistry and machine engineering in order to expand the opportunities provided by flame treatment and to extend the range of surface properties. Interested companies can take part in the development of this technology and help advance its industrialization.

When plastic bumpers were first introduced, they were black because paint did not adhere very well to the surface. Today, these plastic components can easily be painted in the color of the car body. This is because of a change in surface properties. The surface is pre-treated with the help of an electric charge or flame. During flame treatment, reactive components form during the burning process. This initiates oxidation on the material being treated; however, this oxidation is unspecific and can only be altered in quantity, not in typology. This means there is considerable room for the development of optimized high-performance applications. Both partners are looking to explore new avenues in flame treatment.

“Our aim is to expand the range of functionalization and produce bespoke surfaces for special applications. For example, we produce specific functional groups on the surface as reaction partners for reactive adhesives. This enables us to create a high-performance composite with a much better adhesion than with ordinary activation,” explained Dr. Andreas Holländer, a specialist for surface technologies at the Fraunhofer IAP.

The partners combine Fraunhofer IAP’s expertise in surface chemistry with esse CI’s know-how in flame treatment. They hope to utilize the energy of the flame for chemical processes that go beyond simple oxidation. This requires chemicals to be added to the flame, for example in the form of gases, vapors or aerosols. The studies are conducted in a plastic film processing plant at the Fraunhofer IAP. “Here, we test which effects are produced by the chemicals. Using this knowledge, esse Ci’s mechanical engineers enhance the next generation of equipment,” said Holländer.

Augusto Angeli, Chairman of esse Ci, commented, “By installing our flame treatment system in the demonstration plant in Potsdam we are able to demonstrate the technology’s capabilities to potential customers.” Stefano Mancinelli, Process and Sales Manager, added, "We are advancing the development of the technology with the aim of developing new market segments.” The medium-sized company from Narni, Italy, produces equipment for surface treatment on plastic films, cards, aluminum foil and 3D objects. Their flame treatment technology is already being used in a range of industrial applications.

In order to facilitate the industrialization of this new generation of flame treatment systems, interested companies are invited to take part this year in the project. They can influence the detailed planning, for example, of materials and process parameters, and receive first-hand information and research results. Fraunhofer IAP and esse CI also provide workshops on the technology, equipment and project results. For more information, visit http://www.iap.fraunhofer.de/en/fraunhofer-iap.html.