Effect of fast protons on the molecular—topological structure and surface properties of tetrafluoroethylene—hexafluoropropylene copolymer

Abstract

The topologically diblock structure of a tetrafluoroethylene—hexafluoropropylene copolymer with a total weight fraction of crystalline structures of 0.07 is transformed into a fully amorphous matrix with a pseudo-network structure after irradiation with 1—4 MeV protons. Instead of crystalline branching points (as in the unirradiated copolymer), cluster structures have appeared in the matrix. Oxidative degradation processes that occur during the bombardment result in significant functionalization of the copolymer and a substantial increase in the surface free energy, its acid—base component, and surface polarity.