Excimer technology proves to be effective in joining amorphous thermoplastics

Peer-Reviewed Article Published in Trade Magazine JOINING PLASTICS (01/24)

The latest issue of the specialist magazine JOINING PLASTICS (01/2024) features a peer-reviewed technical article on the application of Excimer technology for adhesive-free bonding of amorphous thermoplastics. The article, authored by SKZ – The Plastics Center, examines the effectiveness of the VUV Excimer module ExciJet from Ushio Germany GmbH in plastic joining processes.

At the heart of the study is an innovative joining method based on the activation and modification of plastic surfaces using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation. This technology enables the creation of strong bonds between thermoplastics—without the use of adhesives or other additional materials—and at temperatures significantly below the softening point of the materials used..

The study investigates the effects of various radiation doses on the physical and chemical surface properties as well as the resulting bond strengths in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC). The publication also clearly demonstrates how Excimer technology can be integrated into existing plastic joining processes.

“These results demonstrate the potential of VUV Excimer technology for future-oriented, environmentally friendly plastic joining methods,” explains a spokesperson from the SKZ research team.

You can read the full article here: https://www.joining-plastics.info/artikel/verbinden-amorpher-thermoplaste-mithilfe-vakuumultravioletter-strahlung