Influences of sterilisation procedures on polymer surfaces

This paper describes the influences of different sterilisation procedures regarding to the behaviour of biocompatible packaging materials. The effects of these procedures on coated substances are researched, i.e. adhesive strength towards the substrate, surface energy and roughness. Non-sterilised, coated samples are used as references. Additionally studies of former samples are analysed to detect the influences of long exposure times, especially in relation to adhesion. The coatings are the polymers named the Poly-Para-Xylylen “Parylene C” and the silicone “Med 6-6606”. Glass is used as carrier. The applied sterilisation procedures are electron beam sterilisation, gamma radiation sterilisation and the influence of ethylene oxide.