A double inductively coupled plasma for sterilization of medical devices
Halfmann, H; Bibinov, N; Wunderlich, J; Awakowicz, P; Halfmann, H; Institute for Electrical Engineering and Plasma Technology, Ruhr–Universität Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany; Bibinov, N; Institute for Electrical Engineering and Plasma Technology, Ruhr–Universität Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany; Wunderlich, J; Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Giggenhauser Strasse 35, 85354 Freising, Germany; Awakowicz, P; Institute for Electrical Engineering and Plasma Technology, Ruhr–Universität Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
Журнал:
Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Дата:
2007-07-21
Аннотация:
A double inductively coupled low pressure plasma for sterilization of bio-medical materials is introduced. It is developed for homogeneous treatment of three-dimensional objects. The short treatment times and low temperatures allow the sterilization of heat sensitive materials like ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. Using a non-toxic atmosphere reduces the total process time in comparision with common methods. Langmuir probe measurements are presented to show the difference between ICP- and CCP-mode discharges, the spatial homogeneity and the influence on the sterilization efficiency. To know more about the sterilization mechanisms optical emission is measured and correlated with sterilization results.
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