[Hardening and polishing of polymeric articles for medical purposes]

Physico-mechanical and performance characteristics of manufactured articles made of polymers can be improved by treating their surfaces with active solvents during a certain period of time and at a fixed temperature. In such cases the solvent acts upon the molecular structure of the surfacial layer in the polymer, fills and cements its defects. Investigations carried out demonstrated that a short-term action of the solvent improves the durability and toughness of the articles, tends to raise their biological indifference and makes their external appearance look better.