Methods and apparatus for modifying surface energy of laminate stack up

A method for removing contaminants from and enhancing a surface activation energy of a polyester substrate, the method comprising:

• providing a first plasma formed from argon gas, wherein the first plasma is ejected through a first nozzle;
• providing a second plasma formed from a mixture of gasses that includes approximately 95 percent by volume atmospheric air and 5 percent by volume carbon dioxide, wherein the second plasma is ejected through a second nozzle;
• moving the polyester substrate through the first plasma ejected from the first nozzle;
• and
• moving the polyester substrate through the second plasma ejected from the second nozzle.

A system for removing contaminants from and enhancing a surface activation energy of a polyester substrate, the system comprising:

• a first tank containing atmospheric air;
• a second tank containing carbon dioxide;
• a third tank containing argon;
• a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve configured to regulate a flow of gas from the first tank, second tank, and third tank respectively;
• a first reactor configured to receive argon from the third tank, wherein the first reactor includes electrodes for converting the argon into a first plasma and a nozzle for directing the first plasma;
• a second reactor configured to receive the atmospheric air and the carbon dioxide from the first and second tanks respectively, wherein the second reactor includes electrodes for converting the atmospheric air and the carbon dioxide into a second plasma and a nozzle for directing the second plasma;
• a conveyor configured to carry the polyester substrate first through a discharge of the first plasma and second through a discharge of the second plasma, wherein the first plasma removes contaminants from a surface of the polyester substrate and the second plasma enhances the surface energy of the polyester substrate.

A non-transient computer readable medium for storing computer code executable by a processor in a computer aided manufacturing system for removing contaminants from and enhancing a surface activation energy of a polyester substrate, comprising:

• computer code for controlling a valve that directs argon gas from a first tank to a first reactor;
• computer code for controlling valves that direct atmospheric air and carbon dioxide from a second and third tank respectively to a second reactor;
• and
• computer code for controlling the velocity of a conveyor that passes under the first and second reactors.