Improvement of surface electrical conductivity in poly carbonate composite by nitrogen ion implantation

This study is to investigate the nitrogen ion implantation process in PC (Polycarbonate) composite for improving surface electrical conductivity. The suggested process is applied for the thin wall shape polymer which is composed of low carbon black and carbon fiber in order to increase electric conductivity. The acceleration voltage which is relatively low 3∼50 keV in ion implantation process is used to obtain the thin conductive surface layer around 2 micrometer. The surface electrical conductivity of PC composite is realized up to below 10⁶ Ω/cm² by controlling ion dose without degrading mechanical properties. This technology can be adopted to make conductive plastic product which is applicable for static electricity prevention and electromagnetic wave masking. In order to evaluate the effect of surface modification of PC by nitrogen ion implantation, its surface resistance, tensile strength, tensile elongation, and half-life have been measured. The properties of PC/CF and PC/CB increased surface resistance and tensile strength. Also, the properties of PC/CF and PC/CB significantly decreased tensile elongation and half-life.