Surface modification of polyurethane and silicone for therapeutic medical technics by means of electron beam

Surface modification technologies are gaining growing acceptance for treatment of implant materials to enhance biocompatibility. Our examinations focus on polyetherurethane and silicones, two typical flexible implant materials, which we have modified by non-thermal electron beam processing. Advantages of this method are the adjustable degree of modification as well as the simultaneous sterilizing effects. The polymer surfaces were characterized with regard to wetting behavior, surface energy, chemistry and morphology. The cell adhesion was examined too. The results reveal that the electron beam is a useful tool for surface modification of polymers. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.