Carbon nanostructures (nanotubes, nanofibers and nanosponges) were synthesized onto Si (001) substrates using a microwave assisted plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from C2H2-Ar mixtures at low substrate temperatures (120 °C). Catalytic films (Ni and Cu) 3 nm thick were used. Different structures were formed, depending on the C2H2 partial pressure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) were employed for the morphological characterization of the catalytic films and the carbon nanostructures, respectively. Raman spectroscopy was used to identify carbon hybridization states. AFM was used to observe the morphology of the catalytic films. At low C2H2 partial pressures, nanotubes with nanospheres in their tips, growing from nanoholes were seen. With increasing C2H2 pressures, longer nanotubes were observed, reaching lengths from 300 to 500 nm. In their growth, the nanotubes laterally touch each other, forming nanotube bundles, or nanofibers. For the higher C2H2 partial pressures, dense sponge-like (nanosponge) structures, consisting of a large number of bundles, are formed. From the Raman spectra, a mixture of sp2 and sp3 hybridizations were identified. Furthermore, the low substrate temperature at which depositions can be carried out, makes possible growth of carbon nanostructures on materials to which high temperatures would be deleterious.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a influência das técnicas de reprocessamento de banho enzimático com limpeza ultrassônica e a esterilização com óxido de etileno nas propriedades químicas e estruturas morfológicas de revestimentos poliméricos de fios-guia usados como guias em cateteres regulares. MÉTODOS: Estas técnicas simulam a rotina de processamento de fios-guia em muitos serviços de hemodinâmica do Brasil e de outros países. Amostras de três diferentes fabricantes foram verificadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectroscopia de fotoelétrons de raios-X. RESULTADOS: Uma única ou dupla esterilização dos cateteres com óxido de etileno não foi associada a mudanças químicas ou morfológicas. Contudo, imagens de microscopia eletrônica de varredura mostraram que o método de lavagem foi associado a intensas modificações morfológicas, incluindo bolhas e buracos superficiais, assim como mudanças nas ligações químicas das camadas atômicas externas do revestimento polimérico, conforme demonstrado por resultados de espectroscopia de fotoelétrons de raios-X, compatível com extensas modificações químicas induzidas por esse processo de lavagem. CONCLUSÃO: O reprocessamento dos fios-guia de cateteres com óxido de etileno não está associado a mudanças químicas e morfológicas dos mesmos e pode ser considerado adequado para manter a integridade destes materiais. Entretanto, o método que combina lavagem química com vibração mecânica resulta em intensas deteriorações anatômicas e químicas, sugerindo que esse método de processamento deve ser desencorajado.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the reprocessing technique of enzymatic bath with ultrasonic cleaning and ethylene oxide sterilization on the chemical properties and morphological structure of polymeric coatings of guide wire for regular guiding catheter. METHODS: These techniques simulated the routine of guide wire reprocessing in many hemodynamic services in Brazil and other countries. Samples from three different manufacturers were verified by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. RESULTS: A single or double sterilization of the catheters with ethylene oxide was not associated with morphological or chemical changes. However, scanning electron microscopy images showed that the washing method was associated with rough morphological changes, including superficial holes and bubbles, in addition to chemical changes of external atomic layers of polymeric coating surfaces, as detected by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy method, which is compatible with extended chemical changes on catheter surfaces. CONCLUSION: The reprocessing of the catheters with ethylene oxide was not associated with morphological or chemical changes, and it seemed appropriate to maintain guide wire coating integrity. However, the method combining chemical cleaning with mechanical vibration resulted in rough anatomical and chemical surface deterioration, suggesting that this reprocessing method should be discouraged.