Versatile applications of ion implanted polymers

Ion beam implantation of polymers has been shown to modify electrical and mechanical properties near the surface of the material. A complete understanding of the mechanism of modification and type of microstructure remaining as a result of this process has not yet been achieved. In this paper, we will discuss how recent advances in our understanding of these fundamental mechanisms and material processing techniques has led to a number of prototypical applications. Specifically, the fundamentals of using ion implanted polymers as high value, small geometry resistors, temperature, strain, and vacuum sensing materials and as protective surfaces in chemically reactive environments.