Surface Modification of Polymers for Medical Application by Means of Plasma-Ion Deposited Carbon Films

Modification of a polymer material&s;s surface is an excellent method to alter its properties and thereby expand its application. Polymers present a class of materials widely used in medical technology where medical and biological properties are defined by surface characteristics: composition, charge and surface roughness. In the present study, surface properties of polymer materials modified by carbon films are considered. The films have been formed by different plasma-ion methods. Electrostatic and electrokinetic potentials have been investigated in their dependence on method, deposition conditions gas mixtures, and in vitro adhesion to cells of connective tissue.