Investigations of low-energy ion irradiation influence on glassy polymeric carbon

Abstract

Glassy polymeric carbon (GPC), which is made from phenolic resins, has a high chemical inertness and is used as high temperature and radiation resistant coatings, as high temperature heat-exchangers, as well as a biomaterial in medicine for the manufacture of heart valves and prosthetic devices [G.M. Jenkins, D. Ila, H. Maleki, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 394 (1995) 181]. GPC is also used for the harsh environment of space, as well as for protective coating against extreme environments such as high temperature, highly ionizing radiation, as well as corrosive environments. In this work, we present the results of our investigation of the influence of the low-energy ion irradiation in glow-discharge plasma on GPC. Chemical changes in GPC prepared at 1000 C were studied using FTIR, micro-Raman spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). Porosity changes were monitored through introducing lithium from a molten LiCl salt into GPC and using the (p,a) nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) to measure Li concentration in treated GPC.