Structural studies of polymer hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses by means of positron lifetime spectroscopy methods.

UNLABELLED: PURPOSE OF JOB: Currently, there isa need to increase comfort and visual acuity man. Simultaneously improving biocompatibility and minimizing the impact of the material on the physiology of the cornea is the primary driving force behind the evolution of materials used in the manufacture of contact lenses. Despite progressive development of modern materials science, there is still the problem of reducing the level of oxygen available to the cornea resulting in pathological changes in the cornea. Therefore, structural studies increases interesting in relating to the amorphous contact lenses polymeric materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this work is structural investigation of polymer hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses made in the technology of PC (Phosphoryl Choline). The study method was used positron lifetime spectroscopy PALS. RESULTS: As a result of the measurements obtained curve describing the dependence of the number of counts of acts of annihilation as a function of time. CONCLUSIONS: The study of PALS showed the existence of three components. Component tau1 is responsible for the annihilation of free positrons and the annihilation of electrons vacancy-type point defects. Component tau2 is associated with defects in the volume of grain boundaries formed, dislocations or clusters of vacancies. The results of calculations of mean values positron lifetime samples, showed longtime component tau3 in the spectrum of positron lifetime. Component tau3 is assigned to pick-off annihilation of ortho-positronium o-Ps trapping by free volume and providing information on the geometric parameters of the volume.

Investigation of the free volume changes in one day hydrogel and one day silicone-hydrogel contact lenses by means of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy.

UNLABELLED: PURPOSE OF JOB: The evolution of materials used to manufacture contact lenses, there is a need to increase comfort and visual acuity man while improving biocompatibility and minimizing the impact of the material on the physiology of the cornea. There is still a problem with limiting the level of oxygen available to the cornea, resulting in various diseases. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate the physical and structural properties of hydrogel and silicone-hydrogel contact lenses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve the main objective, the project involves the complete, systematic and comprehensive research methodology, techniques of positron lifetime spectroscopy PAL associated with polymerization, nanovoid natural structure of modern polymeric materials used in ophthalmology. This method is particularly sensitive to detect the structure of disordered materials with structural defects. Therefore it is reasonable to use PAL spectroscopy in studies of polymer nanostructures change contact lenses used in ophthalmology. RESULTS: As a result of the measurements obtained curve describing the dependence of the number of counts of acts of annihilation as a function of time. Distribution of positron lifetime spectra into three components, allows to extract the longest third component which gives information about the geometrical parameters of free volume. Clear changes were observed long-living component lifetimes of ortho-positronium and their intensities between the lenses tested. CONCLUSIONS: The measurements allowed us to isolate and calculate the value of long-living tau3 and its intensity I3, which values are component of positron lifetime associated with the formation of ortho-positronium (o-Ps) and is a measure of the density distribution of free volume creation. The results of these measurements indicate that the formation of free volume holes takes place both in the hydrogel lens and silicone-hydrogel. However, the size of free volume and the amount of free volume occurring for silicone-hydrogel lenses are greater than for hydrogel lenses. The study nanovoid structure of polymeric materials, their size and number suggest a relationship with the oxygen permeability of contact lenses, which implies a continuation and extension of the initial research.

Investigation of free volume changes in the structure of the polymer bifocal contact lenses using positron lifetime spectroscopy PALS.

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy PALS has been applied of free volume properties in bifocal contact lenses. The measurements have been made on new lenses and then after one, two, three and four weeks wear. The longest lifetime, obtained via three-component analyses of the spectra, was associated with the pick-off annihilation of ortho-positronium trapped in the free volume. After wear of the lenses changes in the ortho-positronium lifetimes and the relative intensity of the longest component were observed. These results are discussed on the basis of a free volume model.

[Investigation of free volume changes in the structure of the polymer bifocal contact lenses by means of the positron annihilation method]. / Badanie zmian wolnych objetosci w strukturze polimerowych dwuogniskowych soczewek kontaktowych metoda anihilacji pozytonów.

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy has been applied of free volume properties in bifocal contact lenses. The measurements have been made on new lenses and then after one, and two weeks wearing by the patient. The longest lifetime, obtained via three-component analyses of the spectra, was associated with the pick-off annihilation of ortho-positronium trapped in the free volume. After one, and two weeks wearing of the lenses changes in the ortho-positronium lifetimes and the relative intensity of the longest component were observed. These results are discussed on the basis of a free volume model.