Activating surfaces with care

Fibre-reinforced plastic composites➜ for temperature-sensitive composites ➜ constant geometry ➜ reliable process

Objective

Components made of fibre-reinforced plas-tics (FRP) require a special treatment beforefurther processing (bonding) or finishing(painting, laminating, flocking) in order tocreate a wettable and sufficiently adhesivesurface. Commonly applied treatments sub-ject these components to thermal, energeticor chemical stress, thereby adversely af-fecting the material matrix or the filler ma-terial contained within. This in turn leadsto final products of inferior quality.

Solution

Gas-phase fluorination creates the proper-ties required for further processing on thetop of the surface. Process-related thermal,energetic and chemical stress on the com-posite components remains minimal. Thecoating applied to the treated fibre-plasticcompounds is homogeneously distributedwith absolute evenness, creating a highlevel of adhesion across the component'sentire surface. Gas-phase fluorination doesnot affect the characteristic properties ofthe plastic substances in the matrix materialin any way. Treated components can bestored for extended periods before furtherprocessing.

Materials

• FRP with thermoset matrix systems• FRP with thermoplastic matrix systems• FRP with elastomer matrix systems• FRP with filler materials such as carbonblack, minerals, glass or metal powders

Fluor Technik System GmbH · Altebergstraße 27–29 · 36341 Lauterbach (Germany) · Phone +49 (0) 6641 9685 0 · Fax +49 (0) 6641 9685 50 · info@fts-de.com · www.fts-de.com

Critical effects for FRP Fluorination process for FRP

Negative effects on surface No topographic changes of surface structure

Unevenly distributed adhesion properties Absolutely homogeneous adhesion across entire component surface

Fading of filler substances Smooth, sealed surface morphology

Loss of geometry caused by temperature or energy effects

Absolute dimensional stability treatment conditions

Profitability for composite materials and their treatment

Economically optimised selection of matrix materialsand filler substances due to simple treatment options

Tight processing frames for the activation of FRP material surface

Reliable, reproducible treatment processes

BeWetting of a matrix surface in untreated (left) and fluorinated (right) state

(Photos: Dr. Rolf-Dieter Hund, Technische Universität Dresden)

FTS has focussed on the development andmanufacture of fluorination systems andfluorination services for more than 20 years.Realised projects, memberships in trade as-sociations, cooperation with universitiesand research institutes, as well as manypatents, are proof of FTS' expertise. We aremember of the Flock Association of EuropeFAoE e.V.

ConsultingFTS advises on actions, potential applica-tions and effects of gas-phase fluorinationof plastics and other materials. For optimalresults, FTS tests the treatment parametersin its own laboratory in close cooperationwith its customers.

Development and engineeringFTS develops and designs systems that arecustomised to our customers' individualrequirements. We utilise our extensive ex-perience in plant engineering and opera-tion – from planning and engineering to in-stallation and commissioning.

Plant engineeringFTS builds inline and offline systems forgas-phase fluorination, adjusting themspecifically to the requirements defined bythe product or operation. Ancillary systemssuch as fluorine supply, calcium carbonateabsorber and work safety devices are in-cluded in the equipment design.

ServiceFTS offers a full range of services: from op-erator training and routine maintenance tosystem extension and conversion. We sup-port the approval and certification of thesystems.

Job order productionFTS refines the surfaces of supplied prod-ucts for further processing and installation:bulk material, products placed in transportunits, web material, etc.

Fluor Technik System GmbHAltebergstraße 27–2936341 Lauterbach, GermanyPhone +49 (0) 6641 9685 0Fax +49 (0) 6641 9685 50info@fts-de.comwww.fts-de.com

Fluor Technik System GmbH

Ko

rflü

r M

ark

eting

0416 0

22 –

Titelfo

to: ©

Bill

ionP

ho

tos.c

om

+ b

loo

mua -

Fo

tolia

Improved surface wettability

Reduced friction and stickiness

Better bonding and adhesion

Less permeation, diffusion and migration