Paper NM-ThP10
Plasma Treatment of PE Powder - From Laboratory Experiments to Production Plant

Thursday, October 23, 2008, 6:00 pm, Room Hall D

Plasma modification of powder has recently attracted much interest because of new perspectives of the interfacial properties supervision. Plasma modified powder was used as a filler for composite materials or for production of components using roto-molding technique. Parts sintered from the plasma modified polyethylene powder preserved high surface tension, which allowed e.g. direct painting or adhesive bonding without any additional pretreatment. Plasma modification also significantly enhanced adhesion of the polymer to the substrate. Various methods for powder treatment have been reported for low-pressure plasma treatment of powder including fluidized bed or reactors with mechanical stirring. Based on laboratory experiments and analysis of various treatment methods we proposed a concept for industrial scale production of plasma-modified powder. The principle of the industrial-scale reactor will be presented. Production capacity and cost estimation will be also presented. Partial support of the projects KAN101120701 and MSM 4674788501 and GACR 106/08/1665 is greatly acknowledged.