ELECTRICAL-CONDUCTION IN ION-IMPLANTED NYLON-6 FILMS

The changes in the electrical properties of Nylon-6 films after implan tation with both alkali ions (Li+, Na+ and K+) and an inert ion (Ar+) have been investigated for different implantation fluences and energie s. A decrease in the resistivity of the sample by about six orders of magnitude is observed in many of the implanted samples. The ESR signal s from these samples show the formation of free radicals dependent on ion fluence and energy. The temperature dependence of the resistivity is consistent with a model of carrier transport due to carriers hoppin g between electrically isolated conducting islands produced by ion imp lantation. No systematic and significant difference was observed in th e behaviour of samples due to implantation with alkali ions vis-`a-vis the inert ion.