Chemical aspects of implantation of high-energy ions into polymeric materials

Data on the study of the influence of accelerated ion beams on polymeric materials are generalised. The mechanisms of chemical processes occurring in a polymer matrix upon ion implantation and resulting in crucial changes in the electrical conductivity, microhardness, hydrophilicity and other characteristics of the irradiated polymer surface are discussed. Main fields of applications of ion-implanted polymeric materials are considered. The bibliography includes 188 references.