Funnel-type etched ion tracks in polymers

0346530 - ÚJF 2011 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Fink, Dietmar - Vacík, Jiří - Hnatowicz, Vladimír - Munoz, G. H. - Alfonta, L. - Klinkovich, I.
Funnel-type etched ion tracks in polymers.
Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids. Roč. 165, č. 5 (2010), s. 343-361. ISSN 1042-0150. E-ISSN 1029-4953
R&D Projects: GA AV ČR(CZ) KAN400480701
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10480505
Keywords : tracks * polymers * etching
Subject RIV: JJ - Other Materials
Impact factor: 0.660, year: 2010

It is shown that conical track etching is a much more complicated process than generally assumed. The choice of the corresponding parameters (i.e. the ratios of concentrations and diffusion coefficients of both etchant (e.g. NaOH) and stopping solutions (e.g. HCl) and the etching temperature) determines the ratio of polymer dissolution to etchant penetration. The latter value controls the counterplay of diffusion, etching, ionic conductivity, field emission and capacitive effects, which is decisive for both the final track shapes and their electronic properties. The stages of track evolution during etching under different conditions are outlined in detail. Both transparent conical nanopores and "funnel-type" tracks can be obtained, the latter consisting of a shorter cone and a residual latent track. Depending on the internal structure of that latent track segment, such funnel-type tracks either allow smooth transmission of the rectified currents or they emit unipolar current spikes.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0187539