| Most polymers (commonly referred to as plastic in the manufacturing industry) are flexible and sensitive to heat as well as to interaction with aggressive surface treatments. The purpose of our plasma enhanced deposition processes is to protect and modify the surface, which adding value to the substrate and expanding its field of application.
Incoat has developed ultra thin coatings that are able to adjust the surface energy of the polymer, improving adhesion of inks and glues or repelling water (wincoat©). Diffusion barrier layers based on diamond-like carbon (DLC) adhere well to polymeric substrates and do not form micro-scratches due to their intrinsic flexibility. Advanced properties such as electrical conductivity, oxygen scavenging, and selectivity can be added to the incoat© barrier layer.
The photocatalytic titania coating catico© does not degrade polymeric base material; it protects the polymer from being degraded by ultraviolet radiation. As a result, the contacting environment on the reverse side is protected as well. The surface of the catico© layer detoxifies itself and the contacting environment, and transforms the resultant organic pollution – including bacteria and microbes – into non-polluting carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Current and Potential Application
|| Diffusion barrier layers that are transparent, flexible, electrically
conductive, and selective for gases, water vapor and liquids
(incoat barrier©)
|| Anti-fogging effects on polypropylene (wincoat©)
|| Complete transfer of liquids due to adjusted surface energy i.e.
wettability for water based liquids (wincoat©)
|| UV barrier layer, complete emptying of content, easy-to-clean
surface, anti-microbial effect (catico©) for pharmacological
products and medical devices
|| Easy-to-clean and anti-microbial effects (catico©) for watches,
water and air detoxification systems
|| Easy-to-clean, anti-stain, and anti-microbial effects combined with
flame retardancy and anti-static effects (catico©) for curtains,
pharmacological products
Coating Advantages
|| Plasma polymerization deposition processes at ambient
temperatures
|| Good adhesion of the deposited coatings due to the interaction
with the plasma discharge
|| Sustainable material management
|| Substrate is neither degraded nor damaged by heat
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