| abstract |
An apparatus for cleaning substrates used in critical environments with stringent end-product cleanliness requirements in a single process using microwave-energized and centrifuged dense fluids. One or more dense fluids are mixed with one or more chemical or physical agents and are simultaneously subjected to microwave radiation and centrifugal force to remove deeply recessed contaminants from internal and external surfaces of intricately arranged or formulated substrates such as biomaterials, spent activated carbon, elastomerics, surgical aids, or dental implants. Subsequently, cleaned substrates are simultaneously subjected to microwave radiation and centrifugal force under vacuum to remove residual volatile contaminants. Additionally, the cleaned and sterilized substrates are contacted with chemical or physical agents to provide enhanced cleaning and to provide new and improved substrate properties such as increased electrical insulation, conductivity, or biocompatibility. Finally, substrates which are prepackaged in semi-permeable membranes are cleaned using this apparatus, thus preventing recontamination of the cleaned substrates. |