Physico-chemical modifications induced in Makrofol-N polycarbonate by swift heavy ions

Optical, chemical and thermal properties of the polymers can be modified by swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation. Fifty microns thick films of Makrofol-N were irradiated with 70 MeV C5+ ions to the fluences of 107, 108 and 9.3 × 1011 and 9.3 × 1012 ions/cm2 from Pelletron accelerator at Nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi, India. The characterization of the radiation induced modifications has been carried out with FTIR, UV–Vis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). No change has been observed at lower fluences of 107 and 108 ions/cm2. At higher fluences, slight shift in the optical absorption edge towards the red end of the spectrum has been observed with increase in fluence. FTIR and thermal data show changes at higher fluences.