Modification of X-ray excited photoelectron and C KVV Auger spectra during radiative carbonization of poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Modifications of the photoelectron and C KVV Auger spectra during the long-term surface degradation of partially crystalline PVDF under simultaneous soft X-ray and electron followed by ion irradiation are reported. Deep radiative carbonization brings about the formation of carbynoid structures (chain-like carbon) in the surface, while the number of interchain cross-links is insignificant. As a result, the shape of the electron emission spectra of carbon in the carbonized sample essentially differs from that of graphite and PVDF. The ion bombardment of the carbonized sample destroys one-dimensional structure due to the formation of cross-links. Thus, carbon atoms transit into sp2-hybrid state and, therefore, the photoelectron and Auger spectra show features characteristic for microcrystalline graphite.