The process of obtaining a hydrophilic polymer coating on a polymeric component or product can be basically divided into: the substrate surface treatment, the coating application and the cross-linking. The substrate surface treatment is crucial due to the possible large difference in polarity between the polymers and the substrate materials, which commonly have low free surface energy and may severely hamper adhesion. This study evaluated the influence of flame surface treatment for the attempt of increasing the free energy surface of polyamide 11 tubes. Samples were submitted to treatment for 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 seconds, and subsequently characterized by goniometry, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and scratch resistance of the deposited layer. Untreated samples were analyzed as a control parameter of the changes. The results showed an increase in wettability and surface roughness, and also an improvement in the adhesion of the hydrophilic coating after treatment.
Polyamide 11; surface treatment; hydrophilic coating
