Gas Phase fluorination
The gas phase fluorination is an innovative and easy handable technology for the defined modification of polymeric surfaces. In contrast to coating technologies with adhesion strengths typically in the Van-der-Waals- range, where the surface is covered by other materials, fluorination forms long term stable chemical bondings.
Depending on the process parameters it is differed between the fluorination without and in the presence of oxygen (Oxyfluorination).
With the technology are the following surface properties available:
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Permanent hydrophilie
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Long term stable activation of non polar surfaces before coating (lacquering, gluing etc.)
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Improved barrier against fuels and gases
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Friction reduction of elastomeric materials incl. TPE
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Reduction of the additive migration in plastics
The surface modification is induced by the high chemical reactivity of the fluorine gas and its ability to react with hydrogen under formation of hydrogenfluorid. Free binding sites which are generated in this step react with fluorine, oxygen or undergo crosslinking.
A great advantage of the gas phase reaction is the efficient treatment of complex shaped plastic parts. Even holes, drill holes or undercuts will be fluorinated completely and homogeneous.
Innovent works on the field of gas phase fluorination together with operators and a plant constructor (Fluor Technik System GmbH).
PA6-samples, coated with 2K-PUR-finish after cross cut
(left: untreated sample, right: fluorinated sample)