Flame-treating process
US5891967A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C59/08
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method of modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate, e.g., to improve the wettability of the polymer film surface and/or alter the reactivity of the surface of the substrate by further oxidation, comprising exposing the substrate to a flame. The flame is supported by a fuel and oxidizer mixture that includes an effective amount, for modifying the polymeric substrate, of at least one oxygen-containing compound that functions as a fuel substitute. Oxygen comprises between about 10 and 50 atomic percent of the compound. Large increases in the ASTM wetting test over that reported with conventional flame-treating processes, have been observed in films treated according to this invention. In addition, significant increases in polymer film surface oxidation levels have been observed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.