Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing the surface energy of an article having a polymeric surface increasing the relative amount of nitrogen atoms or oxygen atoms within a portion of the surface to form a nitrogen or oxygen enriched surface layer. The method of the invention is advantageously applied to a vehicle body frame to facilitate adhesion of a windshield. In another embodiment of the invention a method for inhibiting sealer redeposition is provided in which a plastic component in an automobile is treated prior to being subjected to the various paint preprocessing baths.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a coated substrate surface is provided. In at least one embodiment, the coated substrate surface includes a substrate surface, and a high-velocity impact polymer reaction coating for promoting adhesive bonding, the coating having first and second opposing surfaces, the first opposing surface being adjacent to the substrate surface. In at least another embodiment, the high-velocity impact polymer reaction coating is formed by depositing a polymer reaction compound onto the substrate surface with a high-velocity impact device at a velocity in the range of 10 to 200 meters per second, the polymer reaction compound being formed from substantially random fragmentation of prepolymer molecules.

Abstract: A system is provided for plasma treating a plastic component having an exterior surface and an inside surface. The system comprises at least one fixture. The fixture includes a support structure, a plurality of locating features, and a plurality of holding devices which cooperate to position a portion of the exterior surface to within a specified tolerance. The system further comprises at least one APAP nozzle configured to move relative to the exterior surface along a path, wherein the APAP nozzle directs a plasma jet onto the portion producing a functionalized polymer layer covering the portion.

Abstract: A method of treating a glass substrate for bonding. The method includes providing a glass substrate having a fritted portion of a ceramic frit material and a non-fritted portion. At least a portion of the fritted portion includes a bondable surface. The method further includes cleaning and activating the bondable surface for subsequent bonding. The cleaning and bonding steps are carried out by applying an air plasma to the bondable surface.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a coated substrate surface is provided. In at least one embodiment, the coated substrate surface includes a substrate surface, and a high-velocity impact polymer reaction coating for promoting adhesive bonding, the coating having first and second opposing surfaces, the first opposing surface being adjacent to the substrate surface. In at least another embodiment, the high-velocity impact polymer reaction coating is formed by depositing a polymer reaction compound onto the substrate surface with a high-velocity impact device at a velocity in the range of 10 to 200 meters per second, the polymer reaction compound being formed from substantially random fragmentation of prepolymer molecules.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating onto a glass substrate for adhesive bonding. The process comprises depositing a coating where the surface is cleaned during a first time period, and depositing a high-velocity impact polymer reaction coating on the surface at ambient air pressure during a second time period using an atmospheric pressure air plasma. The coated glass can be bonded using a CASE compound, consisting of coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, and combinations thereof. The opposing surface of the CASE compound is adjacent to a frame, such as an automotive vehicle windshield flange.

Abstract: A system is provided for plasma treating a plastic component having an exterior surface and an inside surface. The system comprises at least one fixture. The fixture includes a support structure, a plurality of locating features, and a plurality of holding devices which cooperate to position a portion of the exterior surface to within a specified tolerance. The system further comprises at least one APAP nozzle configured to move relative to the exterior surface along a path, wherein the APAP nozzle directs a plasma jet onto the portion producing a functionalized polymer layer covering the portion.

Abstract: A method is provided for decorating a plastic component having an exterior surface with an initial surface energy. At least a portion of the exterior surface is decorated with a coating. The method comprises fixturing the plastic component. At least the portion of the exterior surface is positioned substantially within a specified tolerance. Plasma treating at least the portion to a treated surface energy greater than the initial surface energy with an atmospheric-pressure air plasma nozzle. Applying the coating to at least the portion of the exterior surface, wherein the coating has a coating surface energy that does not substantially exceed the treated surface energy. The coating is then cured.

Abstract: A method of treating a glass substrate for bonding. The method includes providing a glass substrate having a fritted portion of a ceramic frit material and a non-fritted portion. At least a portion of the fritted portion includes a bondable surface. The method further includes cleaning and activating the bondable surface for subsequent bonding. The cleaning and bonding steps are carried out by applying an air plasma to the bondable surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing the surface energy of an article having a polymeric surface increasing the relative amount of nitrogen atoms or oxygen atoms within a portion of the surface to form a nitrogen or oxygen enriched surface layer. The method of the invention is advantageously applied to a vehicle body frame to facilitate adhesion of a windshield. In another embodiment of the invention a method for inhibiting sealer redeposition is provided in which a plastic component in an automobile is treated prior to being subjected to the various paint preprocessing baths.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating onto a glass substrate for adhesive bonding. The process comprises depositing a coating where the surface is cleaned during a first time period, and depositing a high-velocity impact polymer reaction coating on the surface at ambient air pressure during a second time period using an atmospheric pressure air plasma. The coated glass can be bonded using a CASE compound, consisting of coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, and combinations thereof. The opposing surface of the CASE compound is adjacent to a frame, such as an automotive vehicle windshield flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing the surface energy of an article having a polymeric surface increasing the relative amount of nitrogen atoms or oxygen atoms within a portion of the surface to form a nitrogen or oxygen enriched surface layer. The method of the invention is advantageously applied to a vehicle body frame to facilitate adhesion of a windshield. In another embodiment of the invention a method for inhibiting sealer redeposition is provided in which a plastic component in an automobile is treated prior to being subjected to the various paint preprocessing baths.