FORMATION OF ELASTIC CONE-LIKE MICROSTRUCTURES ON THE COMPOSITE OF ELASTOMER AND CARBON-BLACK BY EXCIMER-LASER ABLATION

Laser ablation of composite material consisting of elastomer and carbo n black was performed using a KrF excimer laser. Remarkable sensitizat ion of polymer ablation with carbon black was observed and cone-like m icrostructures were produced on the ablated surface. The development o f large cones was due to the aggregation of carbon-rich cones by repea ted etching and melting upon further laser irradiation. The cone-like microstructures revealed a visco-elastic property that could be useful in the applications of sealing and packing materials.