Surface treatment with low-pressure plasma
Plasma is the term used for an excited (ionised) gas. In that state, the atoms/molecules are in a highly excited state. The technologies used by pfm medical permit the use of plasma at low thermal loads. Plasma processes are ideally suited to activating temperature-sensitive surfaces.
One effect of surface activation by low-pressure plasma is greatly improving the bonding properties of the carrier material and thus ensuring the extremely strong adhesion of, for example, pigment particles to the surface without any changes to the material properties of the activated product.
Unique – the titanisation of mesh implants
A prime example for the application of this plasma technology (low-pressure plasma) is the refinement of surgical implants with covalently – thus practically inseparably – bonded titanium oxide. In a globally unique process (patent of titanisation: pfm medical titanium), a thin (approx. 30–50 nm; 1 nanometre = 1 millionth of a millimetre), highly biocompatible titanium oxide surface is applied to a plastic mesh.
The advantages of pfm titanisation are unique:
- Low inflammation rates.
- Natural incorporation and vascularisation (no encapsulation).
- Low shrinkage and migration rates.
- Shorter convalescence.
- Outstanding biocompatibility of the implants thanks to the titanium surface combined with very high degree of flexibility thanks to the plastic.
- The implant is not perceived as a foreign object by the human body.
- A true composite thanks to the covalent bonding of titanium and plastic.
- Low-pressure glow discharge plasma
- Sample product: titanised mesh implant for surgical use (pfm medical titanium)
