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Surface spectroscopic studies of Biomer
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
|July 1, 1981
Summary
This study analyzed Biomer polymer surfaces using advanced spectroscopy. Results show a silicon contaminant, likely a polysiloxane, on both sides, regardless of the mold material.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Materials Analysis
Background:
- Biomer is a biodegradable polymer with potential applications in biomedical devices.
- Understanding surface composition is crucial for optimizing material performance and biocompatibility.
- Previous studies utilized FTIR and ESCA, but higher surface sensitivity techniques were needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine compositional differences between air and mold-facing Biomer surfaces.
- To investigate the influence of mold material on the polymer surface.
- To identify surface contaminants and their chemical nature.
Main Methods:
- Utilized X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ESCA) for elemental composition.
- Employed Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) for molecular structure identification.
- Applied Low Energy Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (ISS) for high surface sensitivity analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified a silicon-containing contaminant on both air and mold-facing surfaces.
- SIMS analysis revealed the contaminant to be a polysiloxane.
- No significant compositional difference was found between the two surfaces, irrespective of mold type (glass or nickel).
Conclusions:
- The Biomer surface composition is consistently affected by a polysiloxane contaminant.
- The mold material does not appear to significantly alter the surface composition of Biomer.
- Advanced surface analysis techniques like SIMS and ISS are valuable for detailed polymer characterization.