Surface modifications of carbon nanotube/polyacrylonitrile composite films by proton beams

• Published in: Chemical physics letters Vol. 372; no. 3; pp. 595 - 602
• Main Authors: Pirlot, Christophe, Mekhalif, Zineb, Fonseca, Antonio, B.Nagy, Janos, Demortier, Guy, Delhalle, Joseph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 29.04.2003; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Exact sciences and technology; Ion radiation effects; Nanocrystalline materials; Physical radiation effects, radiation damage; Physics; Radiation effects on specific materials; Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography; Radiation effects; Roughness; Carbon nanotubes; Surface treatments; Infrared spectra; Experimental study; Layer thickness; Composite materials; Transmission electron microscopy; Acrylonitrile polymer; Proton irradiation; Chemical composition; Nanostructured materials; Profilometry; X-ray photoelectron spectra
• ISSN: 0009-2614; 1873-4448
• DOI: 10.1016/S0009-2614(03)00464-0

Chemical and structural modifications induced by protons at the surface of polyacrylonitrile and carbon nanotube/polyacrylonitrile composite films are analysed by TEM, profilometry, IR and XPS. Changes induced in the film are related to the energy of incident particle and implanted dose. The irradiation of the composite films induces the emergence of the nanotubes outside of the polymer but with no increase of the surface roughness. Spectroscopic modifications in both films are globally similar, the most significant feature being a lower relative concentration of nitrogen with respect to carbon close to the surface.