Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment was used to change the surface ofhigh molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) by attaching various biocompatible polymers to the polyethylene surface, thereby providing a lubricating, hydrophilic surface to improve wear resistance for use in prosthetic applications. It is anticipated that any wear particles generated by the bio-compatible layer would not interact with the body, limiting any immune response. For this study, the organic coatings included bio-compatible polymers, such as poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate), polyethylenimine, and polyethylene glycol. Low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma was used, along with an in-house constructed spray delivery system, to coat high density HMWPE substrates. Coatings were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle analysis, and adhesion testing. A significant decrease in contact angle was noted for various coatings produced with this method, indicating an increased wettability. Plasma processing conditions, specifically the pretreatment of the substrate and the input power, affected the adhesion and uniformity of the polymerized layer. Trends varied for the polymers used in this study, indicating the need for optimization of plasma parameters for the desired polymer coating.
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