Surface modification of polymers by ion irradiation at the solid-liquid interface

An ion irradiation system in liquid has been developed using a tapered glass capillary with a thin window at the tip. Irradiation at a solid-liquid interface is interesting because it can be applied to novel analysis, radiation testing, and surface modification processes. In this study, polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene were irradiated with H ⁺ ions in an aqueous solution containing acrylic acid monomers. The irradiated surfaces which were originally hydrophobic became hydrophilic due to the surface layer formed by the acrylic acid polymer.