Uncovering and Controlling Non-obvious Variables in Surface Preparation Processes for Polymers

Preparation of polymers for adhesion includes processes like corona, flame and plasma treatment. These can be very effective if implemented with proper process control feedbacks. However, they don’t always translate into reliable manufacturing processes. Failure analysis has shown that this usually stems from a lack of control of important variables that affect adhesion. Variables that are not identified cannot be measured and controlled. 

Primary Topics: 
- Discusses variables that contribute to failure of adhesion in bonding, laminating, printing, painting and coating operations. 
- Increases awareness of simple process control steps that can significantly increase bond reliability. 

Presenter: Giles Dillingham 
Dr. Giles Dillingham has worked in the areas of surfaces, interfaces, and adhesive bonding for 30 years, and has over 120 publications and patents in these areas. After receiving his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Cincinnati in 1987, Dr. Dillingham worked in the Advanced Composites Laboratory of the Dow Chemical Company. Returning to Cincinnati he worked on plasma processing of materials and adhesive bonding of advanced composites while incorporating and growing BTG Labs since 2001.