TWI Frequently asked questions
by Richard Court
There are three main categories of surface treatments that can be used to alter the surface energy of a material:
- Mechanical
- Chemical
- Energetic
Within each of these categories there are several possible techniques and these are listed in the table.
| Mechanical |
Chemical |
Energetic |
- Grit blast
- Abrasion, e.g. silicon carbide (SiC)
- Cryoblast
- Sodablast
- Peel ply
|
- Solvent clean
- Detergent wash
- Etch - either acid or alkali
- Anodising - electrochemical
- Primer
|
- Plasma
- Corona discharge
- Flame
- Eximer laser
|
Further information
Further details of surface treatment techniques are available in the adhesive bonding best practice guide.
FAQ: What are the typical values of surface energy for materials and adhesives?
For assistance with this technology please contact Adhesives, Composites and Sealants
