Not every surface modification challenge can be met by a simple coating. That's why AST offers Custom Surface Modification to optimize solutions for unique surface modification requirements. AST's knowledgeable research staff, years of experience in biomaterial surface treatment and plasma processing expertise are keys to successful custom surface modification. Most polymeric, elastomeric, or metallic surfaces can be modified to the specifications of individual products.

• Ceramic parts made permanently hydrophilic
• Ceramic, polymer, and metal surfaces functionalized for covalent attachment of molecules
• Silicone rubber components treated to permanently reduce friction and tackiness
• Polymeric diagnostic parts rendered permanently oleophobic or hydrophilic
• Polymeric supports made suitable for cell attachment
• Urological devices reduced encrustation formation

Plasma processing involves the simultaneous manipulation of a number of variables that include pressure, mass flow rate, electric current residence time, and gas species. When design outputs are specified, AST proposes a series of experiments that define the operating ranges of these variables to react the desired design specification. The customer is then free to take the process in-house or contract AST to provide the services.

AST/Plasma Science group is experienced in system design and process development for special plasma surface treatment applications.

• An experimental system developed to improve adhesion on automotive coil assemblies prior to painting process.
• A PS-500 system with customized chamber fixture (to ensure process uniformity) for treating optical medical parts with irregular shapes.
• A plasma system for treating the surface of medical device catheters up to 6 feet in length