Silicone is a versatile but difficult-to-process material – especially when it comes to bonding or targeted haptic modifications. Conventional methods often reach their physical or chemical limits. Excimer technology offers an innovative, non-contact solution for selectively modifying the surface properties of silicone. Whether in medical technology, electronics, or the consumer goods industry, excimer lamps enable a permanent improvement in the wettability, adhesion, and haptic properties of silicone components.
Technical Basics
Surface Activation with Precise UV Radiation
Excimer lamps operate in the VUV range (e.g., at 172 nm) and generate high-energy photons that selectively break chemical bonds on the surface of silicone molecules.
The result:- Reduction of surface tension
- Removal of organic residues or release agents
- Increase in surface energy
- Introduction of functional groups for improved adhesion
These changes occur purely on the surface – without any thermal influence on the material. The underlying properties of the silicone are fully preserved.
Excimer technology is therefore ideally suited for sensitive or complexly shaped silicone parts and represents an effective alternative to wet chemical or mechanical processes.
Applications
Medical technology, industrial bonding, and consumer goods
Targeted modification of silicone surfaces with excimer light opens up new possibilities in numerous industries:
Medical technology:
- Improved adhesion of silicone prostheses or catheter tubing
- Enabling biocompatible bonding with hard components
Industrial bonding:
- Preparation of silicone seals or pads for the assembly process
- Improvement Adhesion to glass, metal, or engineering plastics
Consumer goods & Electronics:
- Modification of the haptic texture (e.g., grippy, matte surfaces instead of slippery silicone parts)
- Activation of switch mats, housings, or handles
Excimer radiation causes a stable modification of the uppermost molecular layers – ideal for subsequent processes such as bonding, painting, or coating.
Advantages over conventional pretreatment methods
Compared to plasma treatments, flame treatments, or chemical pretreatment, excimer technology offers several key advantages:
- Non-contact and gentle on materials: No mechanical stress on the substrate
- Cold light technology: No thermal impairment or deformation
- Solvent-free and environmentally friendly: No residues or toxic wastewater
- Process-reliable and reproducible: Precise control of dose and wavelength
- Long-term effect: Activated surfaces remain adhesive longer than with plasmas
Excimer technology offers a clear advantage, especially in demanding applications such as cleanrooms or where biocompatibility is required.
Conclusion: Excimer light makes silicone bondable and noticeably different
Silicone is not an easy material to work with – but with excimer technology, its surfaces can be modified in a targeted and permanent way. The method offers new degrees of freedom in the design, processing, and development of silicone-based products. Manufacturers benefit from improved process integration, higher bonding quality, and new haptic solutions – all without chemicals or heat.
Do you want to bond or structure silicone? Our experts can help!
The Radium TECH Application Center supports you in the design, selection, and integration of excimer lamps for silicone treatment. Together, we will find the right combination of wavelength, irradiation dose, and process integration for your application.