Preparation and characterization of polyethylene terephthalate-chamomile oil blends with enhanced hydrophilicity and anticoagulant properties.

New blend films based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with different concentrations (50, 100 and 200 µL) of chamomile oil (CAO) were prepared. The effect of oil on the dielectric properties, structural and surface properties of PET was studied. The wettability of the blend films was evaluated by contact angle measurements. In vitro platelet adhesion on the surface and coagulation assessment were conducted to evaluate the behavior of the new blends for blood contact applications. Results of the study indicate that the wettability of PET-CAO blends up to 100 µL has been enhanced relative to the pure PET as indicated by the decrease in contact angle measurements. The attenuation total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectra of the blends confirmed the presence of chamomile oil in the polymer matrix and suggested the presence of interaction between them. The permittivity ε' values decreased by increasing oil content upto 100 µL. On the other hand, the values of dielectric loss ε″ were found to increase by increasing oil content to 100 µL after which it decreased. The delay in partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of the blood would validate the anti-coagulant property of PET-CAO blends. The results demonstrated that the PET-CAO blends with concentration of 100 µL could be considered as a promising candidate material in blood contact application.