Formation of nanocrystalline and amorphous carbon by high fluence swift heavy ion irradiation of a plasma polymerized polyterpenol thin film precursor

Grant, Daniel S.;Siegele, Rainer;Bazaka, Kateryna;Jacob, Mohan V.

Abstract

This study aimed to produce graphitic-polymer nanocomposite thin films via the swift heavy ion irradiation of polyterpenol thin films synthesized from an environmentally sustainable precursor by radio-frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed fluence-dependent surface restructuring of the thin films leading to the formation of interconnected island structures, with no discernible delamination from the underlying aluminum substrate. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the development of D and G peaks associated with graphitic materials, whilst Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated retention of the plasma polymer's chemical functionalities (including hydroxyl groups) within the material after irradiation. Graphitic-polymer nanocomposite films prepared by this dry and solvent-free process have numerous potential applications in biological assay, organic electronics, and membrane technology. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46498.

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Journal of Applied Polymer Science

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135

ISBN/ISSN

1097-4628

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Wiley-Blackwell

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DOI

10.1002/app.46498