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Microstructure change in poly(ethersulfone) films by swift heavy ions
Vaibhav Kulshrestha1, Garima Agarwal, Kamlendra Awasthi
1Centre for Non-Conventional Energy Resources, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India. vaibhavphy@gmail.com
Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
|January 6, 2010
Summary
High-energy ion irradiation significantly altered the crystallinity and particle size of PES membranes, causing polymer chain scission and structural degradation. These microstructural changes impacted the material
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nuclear Physics
Background:
- Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes are widely used in various separation processes.
- Understanding the effects of high-energy ion irradiation on polymer microstructure is crucial for developing advanced materials.
- Ion beam irradiation offers a unique method for modifying material properties at the nanoscale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microstructural and optical property changes in PES membranes after high-energy heavy ion irradiation.
- To analyze the impact of 100 MeV Cl(9+) ion exposure on PES membrane crystallinity, particle size, and chain integrity.
- To correlate observed microstructural modifications with changes in optical properties.
Main Methods:
- Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were irradiated with 100 MeV Cl(9+) ions.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopies were employed to study chemical and optical changes.
- X-ray Diffraction (XRD) was used to assess crystallinity and particle size.
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were utilized to evaluate mechanical properties and surface morphology.
Main Results:
- XRD data revealed a significant loss of crystallinity in the irradiated PES membranes.
- Scherrer formula analysis indicated a measurable change in particle/grain size upon irradiation.
- UV/Vis spectroscopy showed alterations in optical properties, consistent with structural changes.
- FTIR spectra indicated minimal chemical modification, though AFM detected changes in surface roughness.
Conclusions:
- High-energy ion irradiation induces significant microstructural modifications in PES membranes, including reduced crystallinity and altered particle size.
- Irradiation leads to polymer chain scission and structural degradation, affecting the material's properties.
- The observed changes in microstructure correlate with modifications in optical properties, highlighting the potential for ion irradiation in tailoring PES membrane performance.
