STRUCTURE AND BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF ION-BEAM MODIFIED POLYETHYLENE

Structural changes of polyethylene (PE), induced by irradiation with 4 0 keV Ar+ ions at a fluence of 1 x 10(12)-1 x 10(15) cm(-2), are chara cterized by different experimental methods a nd physical parameters of the modified PE are related to its biocompatibility. Production of ox idized structures and conjugated double bonds in the PE surface layer modified by the ion irradiation was proved using IR, UV-VIS spectrosco pies and a Rutherford backscattering technique. The fusion of macropha ges onto implants made of as-irradiated and chemically doped PE was st udied in vivo. It was found that the free surface energy is not a deci sive factor affecting the non-self-recognition of the modified PE by m acrophages. The fusion of macrophages, however, was found to be differ ent on the as-irradiated specimens and the specimens additionally dope d with acrylic acid.