Change in surface of polymer materials upon irradiation of accelerated micro-particles

As a new method of use of a particle accelerator (ionizing radiation generator), we irradiated accelerated micro-particles of silver (Ag) onto polymer materials such as polyimides, glass, ceramics and semi-conductors. The particles can be generated at a Van de Graaff electrostatic accelerator operating at 1-3 MV. The velocity was around 1-10 km/s, size of diameter was about 1-10 μm and charge was about 1-2 μC. We investigated the change in surface of materials upon irradiation, by using laser microscope, atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope. Crater-shaped irradiation spots having limb structure were found, and their diameter and depth were evaluated, ranging in a few micrometers. The planar distribution of the projectile around the irradiation spot was examined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Correlation between size of the irradiation spots and kinetic energy of the accelerated micro-particles was investigated, and compared with an empirical formula and molecular dynamics study. Numerical simulation dealing with dynamic behaviour of elastic structure was carried out based on SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) method, a kind of (virtual) particle method. The simulation also found that a crater-shaped spot having limb structure is formed upon collision of the accelerated projectile with the target-materials. The results of simulation were compared with the experimental observations. These experiment and simulation are important for the evaluation of damages and resistance of polymer materials used in the space, such as the thermal control material, and cover glass of solar cells etc., towards space debris and dusts. It would be complement the on-ground radiation resistant tests on the materials conducted by using electron and ion beam accelerators.