Long Term Evaluation of the Barrier Properties of Polymer/Metal Oxide Hybrid Layers for Use in Medical Implants

Abstract Encapsulation is essential for mechanically flexible and electrically active implants as it protects them from the harsh environment inside body. Since performance longevity of depends on quality encapsulation, research continues into new better encapsulation strategies. Chemical vapour deposition can be used to deposit Parylene-C, a biocompatible polymer, at room temperature. Plasma enhanced atomic layer ultra-thin, conformal, hermetic metal oxide layers. These strategies are both implants. In this work, these two methods combined create polymer/metal hybrid system in which oxides sandwiched between Parylene- C DC leakage-current measurement elevated temperature qualify barrier property layer-system. After more than one year, properties still show no significant decrease.