Optical Emission Spectroscopy Study and 3-D Surface Characterization of Silicone Rubber Exposed to Different Argon RF Plasma Powers

摘要

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of argon plasma treatment on the extent of Foley catheter surface modification. Foley catheter (flexible tube made of silicone rubber, used for urinary catheterization) surface was treated at different argon (Ar) RF plasma powers. The surface modification was assessed by measurement of contact angle. Contact angle study shows decrease in contact angle and increase in surface free energy shows more polar group incorporation at low power plasma treatment. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed an increased average surface roughness proportional to plasma power. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) shows various states of argon causing surface modification.