Modification of polyethylene with Pluronics F127 for improvement of blood compatibility

In order to improve blood compatibility of polyethylene (PE) film, the Pluronics F127 additives in the PE film were then crosslinked to be stably entrapped in the PE matrix. The crosslinking was done by free radicals produced from the decomposition of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) in the film through heating (120 degrees C). Surface properties of the Pluronics F127 additive-containing PE films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The blood compatibility of the Pluronics F127 additive-containing films was evaluated by platelet-rich plasma and blood-cell adhesion tests, respectively. And the results were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The blood compatibility of the prepared Pluronics F127 additive-containing film is better than that of blank PE film. These results suggest that the blood compatibility of Pluronics F127 additive-containing films make them suitable biomaterials for some applications. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.