Ion Beam Induced Modifications in Conducting Polymers

Abstract

High energy ion beam induced modifications in polymeric materials is of great interest from the point of view of characterization and development of various structures and filters. Due to potential use of conducting polymers in light weight rechargeable batteries, magnetic storage media, optical computers, molecular electronics, biological and thermal sensors, the impact of swift heavy ions for the changes in electrical, structural and optical properties of polymers is desirable. The high energy ion beam irradiation of polymer is a sensitive technique to enhance its electrical conductivity, structural, mechanical and optical properties. Recent progress in the radiation effects of ion beams on conducting polymers are reviewed briefly. Our recent work on the radiation effects of ion beams on conductive polymers is described. The electrical, structural and optical properties of irradiated films were analyzed using V-I, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methods.