Modification of the mechanical and optical properties of a polycarbonate by 50 keV Ar+ and H+ ion implantation

The effects of 50 keV H+ and Ar+ ions on the mechanical properties and ultraviolet-visible absorption of the polymer CR39 were investigated. It was found that the H+ implantation produced a yellow–brown material with optical properties similar to amorphous hydrogenated carbon, whereas Ar+ implantation produced a material with optical properties more like evaporated amorphous carbon. The mechanical properties of the implanted material were measured using a nanoindentation technique and increases in both the elastic modulus and hardness (maximum sustainable contact pressure) were observed following irradiation with both ion species. Compared to Ar+ implantation, H+ implantation of CR39 was found to produce a more transparent material at an equivalent maximum sustainable contact pressure and therefore H+ ions were found to be more desirable than Ar+ ions for the treatment of CR39 optical components.