Glow-discharge-modified activated carbon cloths as skin substitutes

In this study, activated carbon cloths (ACCs) were modified in a glow-discharge apparatus by using 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate (HEMA), dimethyl-aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and hydroxymethyldisiloxane (HMDS) plasmas. Scanning electron micrographs exhibited the formation of the polymeric films on the ACCs after glow-discharge modification. The adsorption experiments were performed using model solutes, i.e., creatinine, vitamin B-12, and trypsin. No significant change was observed in the adsorption capacities of the ACC/PHEMA and ACC/PDMAEMA composites compared with the original ACC adsorption capacity. However, there was a pronounced decrease in the case of the ACC/PHMDS. Oxygen permeabilities of both the original and modified ACCs were measured in a flow-through gas chamber. The oxygen permeabilities of the original and modified forms were 817 and 3.5-5 cm3/s.cm2.cm Hg x 10(-7), respectively. Water-vapor permeabilities of the composites were obtained by using a standard water-cup assembly. Permeabilities varying between 921 and 10,300 g/m2.day were found. Microorganism impermeabilities of the ACCs were demonstrated by using model PS monosize polymeric particles with a diameter of 0.2 micron. The particle permeability of the original ACC was 65.6 mg/m2.day. Almost no particle permission was observed through the modified ACCs.