Ion beam-induced Surface Modification of PVC: A simulation Study

Abstract

The investigation of PVC surface characteristics involved the utilization of Monte Carlo simulation software, TRIM, to replicate the interaction between ion beams and the PVC surface. TRIM is a widely employed tool for examining surface structure. The analysis centered on the interactions between PVC surfaces and ions of hydrogen, helium, argon, and krypton. The ion beam irradiation was carried out at varying angles 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75° relative to the sample's surface normal, and it encompassed two distinct incident ion energies 1 keV and 1 MeV. The interplay between ions and the PVC surface can result in diverse processes, including sputtering, emission, and ionization, contingent upon the mass, incident energy, and angle of incidence of the ions. The calculation of stopping power (both nuclear and electronic) and the range of projectiles can also be determined using the same set of incident ions (H, He, Ar, and Kr) but within different energy spectrums (from 10 eV to 10 MeV). The stopping range is contingent on the incident energy and mass of each incident ion, a crucial factor in the process of implantation. This procedure finds applications in doping semiconductors or other materials, with potential uses in catalysis, gas sensing, and various chemical applications.