Abstract: A hydrophilic article for use in aqueous environments, including a substrate, an ionic polymeric layer on said substrate, and a disordered polyelectrolyte coating ionically bonded to said polymeric layer.

Abstract: A process of depositing polymeric materials on the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for depositing one or more polymeric materials on the surface of a substrate, which apparatus includes a polymerization chamber; an inlet for admitting a glow discharge polymerization precursor into the polymerization chamber; a first conductive member extending into the polymerization chamber; a first conductive support attached to the first conductive member for holding a substrate; a power generator arranged for transmitting electrical energy to the first conductive member; a second conductive member on or within the polymerization chamber, the second conductive member being spaced and insulated from the first conductive member; and a pump arranged for applying a vacuum to the polymerization chamber; whereby a glow discharge zone is established within the polymerization chamber when a vacuum is applied thereto and electrical energy from the first conductive member is received by the second conductive member.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable synthetic polymer is exposed to a gas plasma in a chamber at a pressure substantially below atmospheric for a sufficient time to increase the hydrophobicity and/or cross-linking density of a surface layer thereof and thereby modify the rate at which the polymer will hydrolyze. An accordingly modified polymer is useful for surgical implants and wound closures.

Abstract: Method of chromatographically separating a mixture by contacting said mixture under chromatographic separation conditions with a chromatographic separation stationary phase comprising a polymer formed by coating substantially all of the surfaces of a microporous, comminuted substrate material with a monomer that is subsequently polymerized in situ with a cold-gas plasma discharge.