Structural changes in chlorine implanted poly(vinyl alcohol) films

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films were implanted with chlorine ions in the fluence range of 1013–1016 ions/cm2 on to PVA films of thickness 40 μm. FTIR spectroscopic study was carried out to see the structural changes. It was found that oxidation and carbonization progressively occurs in the film as a function of total fluence. The structural change occurs in the form of scission of C–C, C–OH and C–H bonds. SEM studies were carried out which revealed the surface defects in the form of cracks and etching. ESCA studies established that Cl+ ions get deposited on the surface. Changes in the crystallinity were observed from the X-ray diffraction studies. The implanted chlorine ions enhanced the electrical conductivity by the order of 10+2 S/cm.