Processing and interpretation of core-electron XPS spectra of complex plasma-treated polyethylene-based surfaces using a theoretical peak model.

ABSTRACT: Interpretation of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of complex material surfaces, such as those obtained after surface plasma treatment of polymers, is confined by the available references. The limited understanding of the chemical surface composition may impact the ability to determine suitable coupling chemistries used for surface decoration or assess surface-related properties like biocompatibility. In this work, XPS is used to investigate the chemical composition of various ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) surfaces. UHMWPE doped with α-tocopherol or functionalised by active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) was investigated as a model system. Subsequently, a more complex combined system obtained by ASPN treatment of α-tocopherol doped UHMWPE was investigated.

SUBMITTER: Bruggeman M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11010728 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature