Surface Modification of Silicone Rubber Membrane by Microwave Discharge to Improve Biocompatibility

Wetability of biocompatible polymers can be improved by plasma surface modification. The purpose of this study was to surface modify an experimental poly (dimethylsiloxane) rubber (PDMS) material in order to improve its wetability and biocompatibility. Surface properties of the PDMS were characterized using contact angles measurement for wetability analysis. Samples of experimental silicone rubber were surface modified by first argon, hydrogen, oxygen plasma treatment. In all cases, contact angles were measured. We have observed that oxygen, argon, and hydrogen glow discharges are quite effective in reducing the water contact angle of PDMS. However, indifferently to the efficiency of the treatment, practically all of the modified surfaces recovered great part of their original hydrophobicity. Surface modified materials had comparable contact angles to surfactant modified silicone rubber, all being significantly lower than the unmodified material. Oxygen microwave discharge treatment proved an effective way of improving the wetability and biocompatibility of an experimental silicone rubber without altering bulk properties.