Modifications induced in poly (3-hexylthiophene) due to swift heavy ion beam of 100Â MeV silver (Ag8+)

► Pristine samples of poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) samples were irradiated with 100 MeV silver (Ag8+) ions at fluences ranging from 1010 to 1012 ions cm−2. ► The significant changes in FT-IR spectra, dc conductivity, and surface morphology observed in P3HT samples exposed to Ag8+ ion fluence of 1012 ions cm−2 suggest the liberation of molecular fragments due to ion impact. ► The emission of gases during RGA suggests the probability of fragmentation of alkyl side chains rather than the breaking of thiophene ring. ► The obtained polymers can be applied as microstructures with defined conductivity for sensor applications.