{"id":6022,"date":"2025-11-10T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/?p=6022"},"modified":"2025-11-18T07:22:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T13:22:42","slug":"a-secret-worth-sharing-ozones-power-in-plastic-adhesion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/a-secret-worth-sharing-ozones-power-in-plastic-adhesion\/","title":{"rendered":"Ozone\u2019s Power in Plastic Adhesion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-pale-ocean-gradient-background has-background\">The Benefits of Ozone in Extrusion Laminating and Plastic Adhesion:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more than two decades, ozone has quietly improved adhesion and process performance in plastic extrusion coating and laminating lines. Yet many converters, laminators, and packaging manufacturers remain unaware of this powerful technology\u2014or unsure of its safety and effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/\">Oxidation Tech<\/a><\/strong>, we\u2019ve developed ozone systems that make it easy to integrate this proven surface treatment into new or existing extrusion and converting processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Proven Technology\u2014Still Overlooked<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The use of ozone in extrusion laminating first appeared in technical literature in the mid-1990s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phil Sherman of Sherman Treaters documented the method in the <em>TAPPI Extrusion Coating Manual (4th Edition)<\/em>, describing ozone\u2019s ability to oxidize the molten polymer web before it contacts the substrate. Around the same time, Erkki Laiho and colleagues at Borealis Polymers compared flame, corona, and ozone pre-treatments, showing when each\u2014or all three\u2014offer optimum adhesion performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite this strong technical foundation, ozone pre-treatment has remained underutilized. Many converters still rely solely on high melt temperatures or corona alone to achieve bond strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Ozone Improves <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/applications\/ozone-in-air\/plastic-adhesion.html\">Adhesion<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When introduced into the air gap between the die and nip roll, ozone reacts with the molten polymer surface, creating oxygen-containing functional groups that dramatically increase surface energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This oxidation allows the polymer to bond more effectively to substrates such as paper, foil, or films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Independent technical papers\u2014by authors such as Rory Wolf, Cheney &amp; Markgraf, and Stuart Greig (<em>\u201cOzone for Improved Adhesion in Extrusion Coating\u201d, 2011<\/em>)\u2014confirm the benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher adhesion strength between layers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower required melt temperature (e.g., 330 \u00b0C \u2192 285 \u00b0C) while maintaining or improving bond performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced organoleptic issues (odor and taste) critical for food packaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower energy consumption and less polymer degradation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More details on the underlying chemistry and surface mechanisms can be found in our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/applications\/ozone-in-air\/plastic-adhesion.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ozone for Plastic Adhesion<\/a><\/strong> resource page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/ozone-surface-treatment-for-plastic-adhesion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read More on Plastic Adhesion Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized has-custom-border\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/applications\/ozone-in-air\/plastic-adhesion.html\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Benefits-of-ozone-in-extrusion-laminatin-and-plastic-adhesion-1-1024x675.jpg\" alt=\"Infographic on the benefits of ozone in extrusion laminating and plastic adhesion.\" class=\"has-border-color has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color wp-image-6024\" style=\"border-width:6px;width:579px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Benefits-of-ozone-in-extrusion-laminatin-and-plastic-adhesion-1-1024x675.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Benefits-of-ozone-in-extrusion-laminatin-and-plastic-adhesion-1-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Benefits-of-ozone-in-extrusion-laminatin-and-plastic-adhesion-1-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Benefits-of-ozone-in-extrusion-laminatin-and-plastic-adhesion-1-1536x1012.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Benefits-of-ozone-in-extrusion-laminatin-and-plastic-adhesion-1.jpg 1540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Synergy with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/ozone-production-from-corona-discharge-2\/\">Corona <\/a>Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Laiho\u2019s TAPPI paper (<em>\u201cFlame, Corona, and Ozone\u2014Do We Need All Pre-Treatments in Extrusion Coating?\u201d<\/em>), combining ozone pre-treatment with corona discharge provides a synergistic effect on adhesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ozone activates the molten polymer, while corona further increases surface polarity on the substrate\u2014together allowing strong adhesion at significantly lower extrusion temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized has-custom-border\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/ozone-production-from-corona-discharge-2\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Synergy-with-Corona-Treatment-Visual-1024x675.jpg\" alt=\"Infographic on synergy with corona treatment\" class=\"has-border-color has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color wp-image-6025\" style=\"border-width:6px;width:597px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Synergy-with-Corona-Treatment-Visual-1024x675.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Synergy-with-Corona-Treatment-Visual-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Synergy-with-Corona-Treatment-Visual-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Synergy-with-Corona-Treatment-Visual.jpg 1070w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improved Product Quality and Process Efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditional approaches to increase adhesion often rely on raising melt temperature through valve adapters or higher shear. While this does improve oxidation, it also leads to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Polymer degradation and formation of aldehydes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Off-odor or taste in finished laminates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased shrinkage in thin substrates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher energy costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By contrast, ozone treatment achieves the desired oxidation without thermal damage. The result is a cleaner, stronger, more efficient bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Addressing Concerns About Ozone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two misconceptions still hold back adoption:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Fear of ozone in the process<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern ozone systems are completely contained and monitored. Properly designed installations keep ozone levels well below detection at operator positions. Even directly beside the die, ozone concentration is typically undetectable when the system is balanced and ventilated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Lack of awareness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many processors, especially outside North America and Europe, simply do not know this technology exists or how easily it can be integrated into an extrusion line. <strong>Oxidation Tech\u2019s turnkey ozone systems<\/strong> provide a reliable, low-maintenance solution for new and retrofit applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit our detailed overview of <strong>Ozone Surface Treatment for Plastic Adhesion<\/strong> to see how the process works, including applications for rotationally molded insulated boxes and foam adhesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proven Results\u2014Backed by Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sherman, P. <em>Extrusion Coating Manual, TAPPI<\/em>, Ch. 10 (1995).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laiho, E. et al. <em>Flame, Corona, and Ozone\u2014Do We Need All Pre-Treatments in Extrusion Coating?<\/em> TAPPI (1997).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wolf, R., Cheney &amp; Markgraf, R. Papers presented at <em>TAPPI PLACE Conference<\/em> (2007, 2010).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greig, S. <em>\u201cOzone for Improved Adhesion in Extrusion Coating,\u201d<\/em> Corona Supplies Ltd., 2011.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of these studies demonstrate that ozone pre-treatment is effective, energy-saving, and environmentally safe when properly applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-pale-ocean-gradient-background has-background\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ozone has been proven for decades to enhance adhesion in extrusion coating and laminating\u2014yet it remains one of the industry\u2019s best-kept secrets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By using ozone pre-treatment, converters can achieve stronger bonds, reduce energy use, and improve product quality\u2014all while maintaining safe operating conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn how to integrate ozone into your extrusion or molding line, visit: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chatgpt.com\/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paidsearch_brand&amp;utm_campaign=GOOG_C_SEM_GBR_Core_CHT_BAU_ACQ_PER_MIX_ALL_NAMER_US_EN_091724&amp;utm_term=chatgpt&amp;utm_content=169187630042&amp;utm_ad=744024536836&amp;utm_match=e&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21714513245&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA-IW-UX7b48zL0pp_lY59S9YW8_lA&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwvJHIBhCgARIsAEQnWlAuBEJLQyZzYZlCuJN72KbrIoTEjM0aUACOxOf-NeN1YAKgnxbFrfAaAr34EALw_wcB#\">Ozone for Plastic Adhesion<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/contact\/\">Contact our team today<\/a>. We want to help you succeed &amp; create a safe future.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recent Post:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignfull is-type-wp-embed is-provider-oxidation-technologies-news wp-block-embed-oxidation-technologies-news\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"h1rEM73dvv\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/ozone-surface-treatment-for-plastic-adhesion\/\">Ozone Surface Treatment for Plastic Adhesion<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Ozone Surface Treatment for Plastic Adhesion&#8221; &#8212; Oxidation Technologies News\" src=\"https:\/\/www.oxidationtech.com\/blog\/ozone-surface-treatment-for-plastic-adhesion\/embed\/#?secret=K1o6k7v0V7#?secret=h1rEM73dvv\" data-secret=\"h1rEM73dvv\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Benefits of Ozone in Extrusion Laminating and Plastic Adhesion: For more than two decades, ozone has quietly improved adhesion and process performance in plastic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":6042,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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