Surface modification of polyethylene and polypropylene by ion implantation

Abstract

Abstract The creation of oxidized structures and double bonds in polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) samples implanted with P + ions was studied. The surface polarity and the electrical conductivity of the ion‐implanted polymers were also examined. As a result of the ion implantation, the polymer macromolecules are broken up and the material is degraded. An oxygen penetration into the radiation‐damaged polymers is also observed, with PE being more vulnerable to the oxidation. The ion‐implanted PP exhibits higher surface polarity and sheet conductivity compared to that of PE. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.