The fluorination of plastic surfaces is a chemical reaction between a solid phase and a gas-phase reactant. Nitrogen fluorine mixture is used on the surface of plastic materials to transform their surface structure into thin functional layers, which determine the interaction and mutual influence between the material and the outside world. The reaction process is determined by the concentration, temperature, and respective chemical properties of the reactants. The results of fluorination are related to the structure and chemical composition of plastic materials, and the presence or absence of additives, the type of additives, and the concentration of pigments and dyes may all have an impact on the results. In fact, almost all plastic surfaces can be treated with fluorine. The activation effect is caused by the interaction between fluorine and plastic, so the strength of the fluorination process can be achieved by adjusting the concentration and number of fluorides of fluorine. Thin films and products with complex shapes can be fluorinated on their surfaces.
Fluorination systems can be divided into two types based on different application scenarios: one is continuous or semi continuous online systems, and the other is discontinuous offline systems. In online systems, fluorination occurs during the manufacturing process, such as fluorinating products during the production of blow molded packaging containers. For offline processes, the fluorination process is independent of the production process of the product. Both of these processes can be applied in large-scale production according to the requirements of different occasions. The functions obtained by fluorination technology treatment on the surface of products can be divided into two categories: barrier function and surface activation function. In the barrier effect, the fluorine content in the mixture is 1% -20%. After modification treatment, the surface of the product can withstand various types of solvents, such as chemicals, organic solutions, oils, and fuels. Fluorinated surfaces can also protect plastic products from moisture, steam, and various odorous gases. Fluorinated surfaces can even resist damage caused by bacteria and microorganisms.
Unlike fluoride barrier, surface activation functional treatment can increase surface energy and make the surface more hydrophilic. Typical applications of this technology in plastic processing include: pre-treatment of printing, surface construction and bonding, production of natural and synthetic fibers, production of films and filter materials, production of fiber-reinforced building materials, etc. Fluorination treatment of plastic products is involved in industries such as plastic containers, polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete, coatings, paints, inks, printing, and electronics. Fluorination of plastic fuel tanks to significantly reduce the volatilization of hydrocarbons, in order to achieve a barrier effect that replaces multi-layer co extrusion. Through the online fluorination process during blow molding, the diffusion of fuel and solvents from the fuel tank and plastic container has been significantly reduced. The traditional method of strengthening concrete mixtures is to mix loose steel wires and other components for use on foundations, pavements, and building surfaces that do not require load-bearing capacity. Adding fluorinated polypropylene fibers to concrete significantly increases its stability and formability, and the concrete is lighter and has a longer lifespan. Activating surface coatings with fluoride can significantly improve the adhesion of paint surfaces and make the effect more durable. Three dimensional products and films with complex shapes can be surface activated by fluorination. In the application of the semiconductor industry, achieving strong connections is crucial. Therefore, when chemical polishing of semiconductors is required, fluorine can effectively improve production efficiency. To make the car window glass slide along the rubber strip guide, the manufacturer must plant fluff or dip paint on the surface of the rubber strip. Fluorination technology can activate the surface of the rubber strip, resulting in a more durable and sliding guide rail rubber strip. Fluorination technology has many applications in the plastic processing industry. For example, hollow blow molding containers and injection molded parts, fibers, composites, films and foam materials with complex shapes.