A multitechnique surface analytical study of a segmented block copolymer poly(ether‐urethane) modified through an H₂O radio frequency glow discharge

Abstract

Recent work in our laboratories has fully characterized the surface region of a segmented poly(ether‐urethane) (PEU) extending from the air/polymer interfacial region through bulk depths in the micron range. This characterization utilized energy and angle dependent Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA), Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR), and Comprehensive Wettability Profiling (contact angle using a homologous series of liquids) as defined by Zisman. In this study this same multi‐analytical‐technique approach is used to elucidate changes in these PEU surfaces induced through an H2O Radio Frequency Glow Discharge (RFGD) plasma. This investigation reports both qualitative and quantitative changes due to the modification treatments as well as the permanency of the changes effected on these surfaces through the plasma treatment. From our analyses, the amount of surface residing polyurethane (hard segment) is observed to increase due to a proposed plasma etching mechanism. Further, the addition of oxygen containing functionality is detected at the modified surfaces unique with respect to the unmodified PEU. These surface modifications which show large increases in wettability, are finally observed to be semi‐permanent over a time period of 6 months.

Quantitative Assessment of Protein Adsorption by Combination of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay with Radioisotope-Based Studies

“…The low percentage of nitrogen found in PEU is remarkable. This deviation is also described in the literature (12) and results from the enrichment of hydrophobic, nitrogen-free soft segments at the polymer surface after contact with air. In spite of the different fabrication process, the elemental composition of TCPS and PS differs only by 0.8 atom% in the amount of oxygen and in the presence of up to 2 atom% of magnesium in the TCPS surface.…”

Correlations of Materials Surface Properties with Biological Responses

“…These methods have contributed significant information to the development of dental restorative composites, surgical adhesives, prosthetic implants, and extracorporeal circuits, as well as provided basic data on the initial events of blood clotting and marine fouling. The early addition of ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis), also known as XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) to the battery of methods was widely accepted [28].…”

Characterization of the surface properties of epoxy‐type models used for multiphase flow studies in fractured media and creation of a new model

“…This process has been used extensively by the Surface Chemistry Group at the University at Buffalo and is capable of producing stable hydrophilic surfaces on a variety of normally extremely hydrophobic materials such as poly(methyl methacrylates), poly(ether‐urethane), and polystyrene [ Vargo , 1990; Vargo et al , 1991a, 1991b, 1992, 1993; Hook et al , 1991; Schamberger et al , 1994]. There are regular and predictable changes in the outermost layer of molecules on the solid surface that are controlled by varying the plasma concentration (via the wattage, also called power loading, of the equipment), and/or the duration of exposure (Table 1).…”