Properties of implanted PET by W ion using MEVVA implantation

Abstract Polyethylene terephthalane (PET) has been modified with W ions from a metal vapour arc source (MEVVA). W ions were implanted at 136 keV to doses ranging from 5×10 15 to 2×10 17 /cm 2 . The surface of the implanted PET darkened with increasing ion dose, when the metal ion dose is greater than 1×10 17  cm −2 the colour changed to metallic bright. The surface resistance obviously decreases with increasing dose. The resistivity is stable after long-term storage. TEM photos revealed the presence of W nanometer particles on the surface resulting from the high does implantation. The depth of implanted layer is approximately between 180 and 100 nm for W-implanted PET to doses of 2×10 17 /cm 2 and 5×10 16 /cm 2 , respectively. The conductivity and wear resistance have been improved significantly due to W ion implantation. It can be seen that nanometer particles of W precipitation, and carbides have been formed in the implanted layer. The nano-hardness of the implanted PET has been measured by a nano-indenter. The results show that the surface hardness, modulus and wear resistance could be increased.