Effect of a new low pressure SF6 plasma sterilization system on polymeric devices

A low pressure RF remote plasma, with low temperature, was used as new sterilization system. This system was designed especially for thermo-sensitive materials. SF6 plasma has been found to totally inactivate all investigated microorganisms within three minutes. The effect of the SF6 plasma treatment (soft conditions) and following the aging on three polymers films has been investigated.The evolution of surface after plasma treatment was studied by several techniques. FTIR was used to follow the degradations and changes in the bulk polymers. The SEM images showed the etching and grafting on the polymers surfaces. The decreasing of the wettability in the treated surfaces indicates an increasing in surface hydrophobicity. The decreasing of C and O atoms on the surface and the developing of non-polar sites (F functionalities) were observed by XPS analysis. The surface modifications were found to be permanent.

► Low pressure RF plasma was used as new sterilization system for polymeric devices.
► The microorganisms has been inactivate within 3 min using SF6 plasma.
► The effect of this process on three polymers was studied.
► The surface hydrophobicity increased after treatment due to F functionalities.