Corona‐induced autohesion of polyethylene: Dependence of bonding on frequency and power consumption in various gases

The autohesion of polyethylene sheets was markedly improved by corona discharge treatments in oxygen, nitrogen, argon and helium. Equal bond strength was produced by an equal number of discharge cycles regardless of the time or frequency of application. At a given operating voltage the power consumed in a discharge rather than the chemical nature of a gas proved to be a factor controlling the enhancement of autohesion. The detrimental effect of the oxidation upon autohesion was noted after a prolonged treatment in an oxygen corona.