Structural modifications induced in Bayfol polycarbonate due to heavy highly energetic ions irradiations

Abstract

The effects of 28 GeV 56Fe and 13.72 GeV 28Si ion irradiation on the structural properties of two types of Bayfol, namely DPF 5023 and CR 1–4 polycarbonates, have been investigated. It is worth mentioning that this report is almost the first one dealing with the topic of material changes in such a high energy range. Samples from each type of Bayfol were classified into two groups. The first group has been exposed to Fe ion fluences at levels between 2000 and 8000 ion/cm2. The second group has been exposed to Si ions with similar fluences. The total energy deposited is between 27.44 and 224 E12 eV. The modifications induced in Bayfol samples due to ion irradiation have been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that the Fe ion irradiation causes crosslinking in Bayfol DPF 5023, reflected as a decrease in the ordering character. Also, the tendency of Bayfol CR 1–4 to crosslinking due to Fe ion irradiation is lower than that of Bayfol DPF 5023. On the other hand, the Si ion irradiation causes mainly chain scission at the carbonate site of both types of Bayfol associated with the formation of hydroxyl group.