Flame treatment is the application of a gas flame to the surface of a material to improve adhesion. Polyolefins, especially polyethylene and polypropylene bond poorly, because they consist of long non-polar molecules. Without special treatment, adhesives, ink, and other coatings cannot be applied to these materials. By rapidly applying intense heat to a surface, molecular chains are broken and polar functional groups are added. Flame treatment also burns off dust, fibers, oils, and other surface contaminants.