Low temperature plasma and steam sterilization influence on the PET track-etched membrane surface properties

Abstract

The article shows results of low temperature plasma and steam sterilization influence on the PET track-etched membrane surface properties. The track-etched membranes were modified by the atmospheric low-temperature plasma with a processing time of 30 s and were sterilized by the steam sterilization in two modes: 130–132°C at a pressure of 0.2 MPa (5 min); 120–121°C at a pressure of 0.11 MPa (20 min). The results showed that the steam sterilization increased the values of roughness and surface hydrophobicity of the membranes after plasma modification. The changes were primarily associated with surface degradation and hydrolysis reaction, which led to decarboxylation, cyclization and, as a result, an increase in cyclic trimmers on the PET surface. An increase in the time of steam sterilization led to an increase of the number of cyclic oligomers on the surface, which was manifested in significant morphological, physical and chemical changes (changes in roughness, reduced hydrophilicity of the surface).