Effect of low-temperature plasma on chitosan-coated PEEK polymer characteristics

• Wettability and thermal stability changes of PEEK (air/N2 plasma treated) were observed.
• No differences in excellent mechanical properties of modified PEEK were noticed.
• The contact angles were reduced due to the formation of new polar groups.
• After air/N2 plasma modification PEEK surface was more hydrophilic.
• Stable chitosan coating was created improving antibacterial properties of PEEK.

Low-temperature plasma effect on changes of physicochemical properties of plastic polymer polyetheretherketone (PEEK) was investigated. Despite extensive use of PEEK, information about adhesion to this polymer is limited. The adhesive and energetic properties of biomaterial and after chitosan modification were studied by contact angles measurements and surface free energy evaluation using the acid-base LWAB theory and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) model. Modification by chitosan can enhance antibacterial properties, native haemostatic and the polymer biocompatibility. Plasma modification led to variation in surface chemistry and morphology determined by an optical profilometer. After air/nitrogen plasma treatment a relatively hydrophobic character of PEEK was changed into more hydrophilic, significant differences in the wettability of sample were observed. Though, practically no differences in thermal and mechanical properties were noticed. The profilometer pictures showed an increase in the surface roughness of plasma modified PEEK due to the formation of additional polar groups with oxygen and nitrogen on the surface. Plasma treated polyetheretherketone surfaces had better adhesive features. Novel and stable chitosan-coated PEEK biomaterials were prepared applicable for different industries, mainly pharmacy and reconstructive medicine.

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