Characterization of the treated surfaces of silicon alloyed pyrolytic carbon and SiC

The treated surfaces of artificial heart valves made of silicon alloyed pyrolytic carbon were compared to similarly treated SiC using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The materials were exposed to water, isopropanol, and acetone cleaning, diamond and alumina polishing, and sterilization. Three chemical states of carbon, three states of silicon, and low concentrations of polishing contaminants were identified and related to surface treatment. Characterization of the heart valve surfaces will assist in determining appropriate manufacturing processes required for assuring blood compatibility of the devices.