Innovations in Bonding to Low Surface Energy Surfaces

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When seeking to manufacture a plastic-based part, there are more options for attaching parts together than ever before. In the past Low Surface Energy (LSE) plastics, such as Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyethylenes (e.g. HDPE)) had to be mechanically attached or solvent welded since true adhesive bonding did not work well with these materials. Mechanical attachments (such as clips, screws, etc) can be used with virtually any surface but they require additional steps to mold or create features for the attachment, can lead to stress concentrations which may result in plastic cracking and premature failures, and often result in unsightly surfaces. Solvent welding has the disadvantage of relying on the use of hazardous and noxious solvents.