PTFE and other fluoropolymers have been treated using a solution of sodium in liquid ammonia and other etching solutions [3]. This method dramatically improves surface-wetting characteristics, and the plastic can then readily be bonded using a wide range of adhesives.
In the late 1980s primers were introduced that considerably enhance the adhesion of cyanoacrylates to polyolefins.
The primer changes the surface condition of the plastic, creating bond sites for the cyanoacrylate adhesive. The effect of a polyolefin primer when used with a cyanoacrylate on polypropylene should not be underestimated. Bond strengths are often 25 to 40 times higher than those achieved when using the same adhesive without primer (Figure 6.4). Note that these polyolefin primers are only suitable for cyanoacrylate adhesives and are not compatible with other technology adhesives.