Product Code: ICAL08_M604

Investigation into the Efficacy of Co2 Lasers for Modifying the Factors Influencing Biocompatibility of a Polymeric Biomaterial in Comparison with an F2 Excimer Laser
Authors:
David Waugh, Loughborough University; Loughborough Great Britain
Jonathan Lawrence, Loughborough University; Loughborough Great Britain
C.D. Walton, University of Hull; Kingston-Upon-Hull Great Britain
R.B. Zakaria, University of Hull; Kingston-Upon-Hull Great Britain
Presented at ICALEO 2008

Enhancement of the biocompatibility of a material by means of laser radiation has been amply demonstrated previously. Due to efficient absorption of the energy, short wavelengths and energies per pulse, polymers are usually processed using UV lasers, but the processing of polymers with IR lasers has been demonstrated previously. This research has carried out a comparative study for the surface modification of nylon 6,6 in order to vary the parameters driving biocompatibility (surface topography, hydrophobic/hydrophilic reactions and surface chemistry) using CO2 and excimer lasers. Topographical changes were analysed using SEM and white light interferometery, whilst any variations in the surface chemistry were evaluated using EDX analysis. Modification of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic reactions was quantified by measuring the contact angle achieved.