5.9.4 Flame treatment of fibre reinforced plastics (FRPs)
Objective:
Flame treatment is used on thermoplastic matrices to increase the surface tension and hence improve the bonding properties.
Suitability:
Flame treatment is particularly suitable for PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene) matrices, and also for other plastics.
Procedure:
- Prior to flame treatment the surface must always be thoroughly cleaned and degreased.
- Use a propane or acetylene flame with an excess of oxygen (blue, raging flame)
- The flame is passed across the plastic surface
- Visible roughening of shiny surfaces; Formation of polar structures on the surface, so enhancing the surface tension
Points to heed:
- Clean the substrates beforehand
- Ensure there is an excess of oxygen in the flame
- Ensure the correct distance between the flame and substrate surface
- Very rapid degradation of the pretreatment effect, so bond the substrates immediately after treating them
- For thin substrates, too long contact and too small flame-substrate distances: Risk of combustion of the plastic surface