Effect of Cu, Zn and Ag Ion Implantation on the Surface Modification of Bacterial Cellulose Films

Abstract

The paper presents the preliminary results of cellulose modification by ion implantation. Three types of ions were implanted, i.e., copper, zinc and silver with fluences of 5 × 1014 and 5 × 1015 cm−2, respectively. The acceleration voltage of the implanted ions was 30 kV. The ion penetration depth profiles showed differences, especially in the Cu and Ag cases, due to the different ion beams of these elements. The implantation of cellulose with ions clearly changed the wettability of the material surface in the direction of hydrophobicity. The impact of implantation on the growth of the cellulose surface by mold fungi was also noticeable. Only the silver ion implantation had a negative effect on the growth of the Trichoderma viride fungus but did not cause a complete inhibition of growth. Cellulose implantation with Cu and Zn ions clearly stimulated the growth of fungi on the surface of the polymer.