Surface modification and characterization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer with SO2 plasma with the aim of application in the field of biomedicine

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer, a member of the polyester polymer family, is used for the manufacture of medical implants, especially in the manufacture of artificial vessels, due to its high mechanical and chemical stability. Basically, the current research has been carried out in order to modify the surface of this polymer with the aim of producing PET with optimal surface characteristics to increase compatibility and performance in medical applications. These modifications include adjusting the contact angle, changes in the surface chemical composition, improving the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the surface, and changes in the surface morphology. The aim of this research is to improve the surface properties of PET in such a way as to improve its performance and efficiency in the production of artificial vessels and other medical applications. The variables investigated in this research include treatment time, sulfur dioxide gas concentration, plasma intensity and polymer surface properties. During this research, polymer film samples were placed inside the plasma device with a vacuum bag and were exposed to SO2 plasma. The functionalization of the polymer surface with the presence of molecules or chemical groups including sulfur and oxygen was investigated by spectroscopy (FTIR) and the results of infrared spectroscopy in the sample treated by SO2 gas plasma showed the presence of peaks of symmetrical bonds of SO2 in SO3 or SO4 in the sample. approved. 3D AFM images and contact angle test confirmed the morphological changes and wettability of the polymer surface. Using the plasma method with SO2 gas is a suitable method to modify the surface of polyethylene terephthalate and strengthens the application of this polymer in the field of biomedicine.