Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been modified by Si ion implantation with a dose ranging from 1 1016 to 2 1017 ions /cm2 using a metal vapor vacuum arc(MEVVA)source. The surface morphology was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The change in the microstructure of Si implanted PET was observed with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). It is believed that the change would improve the conductive properties and wear resistance. The electrical properties of PET have been improved via Si ion implantation. The resistivity of implanted PET decreased obviously with an increase in ion dose. When Si ion dose was 2 1017 cm-2, the resistivity of PET could be less than 7.9 W·m. The surface hardness and modulus increased obviously. The mechanical property of the implanted PET has been modified greatly. The hardness and modulus of Si implanted PET with a dose of 2 1017/cm2 are 12.5 and 2.45 times greater than those of pristine PET, respectively. The area of cutting groove for Si implanted PET is narrower and shallower than those of the unimplanted PET. So the wear resistance is greatly raised. In comparison with metal ion implantation, the improvement of mechanical properties is obvious in ion implantation into PET. Si ion beam modification mechanism of PET is discussed.
