Characterization of PE-g-HEMA films prepared by gamma irradiation through nuclear microprobe techniques

PE-g-HEMA films with different grafting yields prepared by mutual gamma irradiation method at a 60Co source were characterized with ion beam analytical techniques using a nuclear microprobe. Qualitative analysis showed a random and heterogeneous distribution of contaminant elements, independent of the grafting degree, suggesting the existence of several sources of contamination at different stages of their preparation. Results also suggest that this “phased” contamination occurs simultaneously with mechanisms of agglomeration/entrapment of impurities during the gamma induced copolymerization reaction. Moreover, quantitative data showed that all contaminants found in the copolymeric films are natural contaminants of their reagents of preparation, although at concentrations without toxicological hazard, which points to a low cytotoxic potential.

► We use IBA to characterize PE based copolymeric films prepared by gamma irradiation.
► We collected data simultaneously from PIXE, RBS and STIM techniques.
► Elemental contamination found in films does not pose toxicological risk for humans.
► Data point to processes of agglomeration/entrapment during gamma copolymerization.