| Abstract: | The chemical and physical surface properties of a biomaterial are of high importance for the blood compatibility of an implant. Blends of poly(propylene-co-ethylene) with various amounts of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PPE/EVA-blends) were examined because of the varying surface hydrophilicity. Surface characterizations were performed by means of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Totalreflexion Mode (IR-ATR) in relation to dynamic contact angle and zeta potential measurements. The examination of the blood compatibility of the polymer surfaces was carried out in vitro in a modified BOWRY blood chamber with native whole human blood. A balanced ratio of polar and dispersive surface free energy and a zeta potential of −4 mV are the conditions for a good blood compatibility of the investigated PPE/EVA-blends. |
