FAQ
Technical questions about atmospheric plasma, the Bluemach platform, and our application capabilities.
Atmospheric plasma PECVD (Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition) is a dry, solvent-free process that deposits functional nanocoatings onto substrate surfaces using cold plasma at atmospheric pressure. Unlike conventional PECVD, no vacuum chamber is required — making it compatible with continuous roll-to-roll production of flexible film substrates.
Corona treatment activates a surface temporarily — the effect decays within hours — and creates LMWOF (low-molecular-weight oxidised fragments) that can cause adhesion failure. Atmospheric plasma PECVD deposits a functional nanocoating that is covalently bonded to the substrate, with stability confirmed at 120+ days. Plasma also deposits actual coating layers (up to 30 nm) that corona cannot achieve.
No. The Bluemach machine operates entirely at atmospheric pressure. This is what enables inline roll-to-roll processing at production speed. Conventional vacuum PECVD systems require batch loading, pump-down, and vent cycles that are incompatible with flexible film manufacturing.
CPI’s atmospheric plasma process is validated on PET, PI (Kapton), BOPP, HDPE, PEEK, PTFE, FEP, PFA, PVDF, PP, PE, and silicone elastomers. Substrate thickness from 10 µm to 500 µm. Web width up to 2000 mm. If your substrate is not listed, contact us for an evaluation.
CPI’s functional nanocoatings are deposited at sub-30 nm thickness. This is thin enough to have zero impact on optical transparency, dimensional tolerance, or substrate mechanical properties. The PET substrate remains recyclable as uncoated film.
The Bluemach machine runs between 10 and 500 m/min depending on substrate and required coating properties. Most release coating applications run at 10–50 m/min. Adhesion grafting processes typically run at 50–500 m/min for full activation depth.
Ximofilm is produced by atmospheric plasma CVD. Unlike conventional silicone release liners, its silicone chemistry is covalently bonded to the substrate, resulting in zero silicone transfer to the adhesive (confirmed by FTIR and rinsing tests). The PET substrate remains recyclable as uncoated film, while release force can be tuned from easy to tight without changing formulations.
Yes. Ximofilm uses entirely PFAS-free precursor chemistry. This makes it compliant with EU REACH restrictions and future PFAS phase-out regulations in North America, Japan, and Korea.
Ximofilm is available in easy, medium, and tight release profiles. Release force is measured by FINAT 10 test method. All profiles are produced on the same PET substrate — only the plasma chemistry changes. Contact us for specific cN/25mm values for your application.
Ximofilm has been validated with acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives. The silicone-free chemistry means subsequent adhesion is fully intact — no tack reduction from coating transfer.
Yes. CPI’s grafting chemistry permanently activates PEEK surfaces by grafting polar functional groups (–OH, –COOH, –NH₂) to the surface without breaking the polymer backbone. Bond strength increases up to 9× versus untreated PEEK, with 120+ day stability confirmed by FTIR.
No. Atmospheric cold plasma operates at ambient temperature and targets only the outermost molecular layer (< 10 nm). FTIR analysis confirms zero change in polymer backbone structure. All bulk mechanical and thermal properties are fully preserved.
CPI’s plasma surface functionalization creates covalent bonds between functional groups and the substrate surface. Contact angle and bond strength remain stable for 120+ days under ambient storage conditions — unlike corona activation, which decays within hours to days.
CPI’s atmospheric plasma process can tune contact angle from 0° (superhydrophilic) to 120° (hydrophobic barrier) on flexible substrates. Uniformity across the full web width is ±2° contact angle.
Yes. All CPI hydrophobic nanocoatings use PFAS-free precursor chemistry. This is a key differentiator — PFAS-based DWR and hydrophobic finishes are being phased out globally, and wet chemistry alternatives often sacrifice performance or process simplicity.
Contact angle modifications are stable for years under ambient conditions. The modifications are also tested for stability through sterilisation cycles, which is important for medical device applications.
Yes. CPI offers application test runs on the Bluemach machine using your substrate material. We provide a full test report including contact angle measurements, FTIR analysis, and peel test data. To request a test, contact us with your substrate type, dimensions, and target property.
CPI primarily produces coated film and provides toll-processing services. Technology licensing discussions can be initiated for large-volume industrial partners. Contact us to discuss your volume and application requirements.
Contact us directly for MOQ information. We can process from small evaluation rolls (100 m) to full production quantities. Our 2000 mm wide Bluemach machine is optimised for production runs from 500 m upwards.
CPI is located at 59 4ème Rue, ZAC Saint Charles, 13710 Fuveau, France — near Aix-en-Provence. We ship worldwide and can arrange sample shipping from our cleanroom facility.
Our process engineers are happy to discuss your specific application.
No generic answers, only real technical guidance.