Radiation-induced modification of polymer surfaces

Abstract

Modification of the surfaces of polymer films of polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate and polyetheretherketone upon γ irradiation and ion implantation with Ni+, Ag+, Au+, Fe+ and B+ ions at an energy of 30–100 keV in the dose range of 1 × 1015–1.5 × 1017 cm−2 is studied by the atomic-force microscopy. The processes and mechanisms of radiation-defect formation in polymers beyond the track of the implanted ions is considered. The formation of cone-shaped structures with a height of up to 80 nm and a base diameter of up to 400 nm randomly arranged on the surface of the polyimide, polyetheretherketone and polyethylene terephthalate films is observed under γ irradiation and low-dose ion implantation. These structures are observed not only in the field of ion deceleration but also beyond the region of high-energy action at a distance of up to 40 μm. Their formation is due to relaxation of the local elastic compressive stress in the polymer film.