Blog Post: Plasma Treatment for Medical Grade Plastics

Many medical devices are made from medical grade plastics that typically have low surface energy.  It is often necessary to modify the surface energy in order to guarantee the adhesion of any permanent markings as well as to improve device performance.  By altering the surface properties, critical markings on devices such as catheters adhere better and they can slide and maneuver more easily within the body.

Which medical plastics can be treated with plasma?

Most standard-grade medical plastics such as polystyrene and polypropylene are all good candidates for plasma.

What are some of the key benefits for medical applications?

Plasma helps to change the surface chemistries of plastics while also improving molecular adhesion and hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface conditions. 

What types of medical devices can be treated by plasma?

  • Catheter tubing
  • Endoscopes
  • Stents
  • Optical lenses
  • Pharmaceutical trays
  • Cell generation plates