Modification of the physicochemical surface properties of polymers during the plasma-based decontamination

The influence of a bio-decontaminating atmospheric pressure plasma (1.1 MHz, Ar/O2), on the physicochemical surface properties of medical polymers is investigated. The plasma exposure results in the incorporation of oxygen which, in turn, leads to the formation of oxygen-containing groups and in changes in surface roughnesses. Furthermore, it is observed that the modification of the polymers occurs over a wide area on the substrate surface whereas the plasma-based etching process is restricted to an area where the intensities of the reactive plasma species are highest which is validated by optical emission spectroscopy.