Surface modification of a biomedical poly(ether)urethane by a remote air plasma

Plasma modification of polymer surfaces is widely used, but the plasma/polymer interaction is very complex and still not fully understood. In this paper, the interaction of a biomedical poly(ether)urethane with a remote air plasma treatment has been studied. Atomic force microscopy studies show the domain structure of the polymer as well as the absence of any surface roughening due to plasma treatment. Contact angle goniometry shows an improved wettability of the surface after plasma treatment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates an increase in C=O and C=C at the surface, as well as the presence of new functional groups such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and imines. There is also evidence that the energy imparted to the polymer during plasma treatment causes surface segregation of polyol segments. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.