Effect of proton and ion beam treatment on cyclic olefin copolymer parts prepared via injection molding

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of proton and ion beam treatment on injection molded plastic parts. We employed cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) as a resin for the manufacturing. A light guide panel was designed and fabricated via injection molding. The size and fluence of ions were changed for the analysis. The physical and chemical properties of the samples irradiated with proton and nitrogen ion beams were investigated through UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), nanoindentation, residual stress, and electrical analyses. The penetration behavior of ion beams was modeled numerically, and the injection molding process was simulated. The finding showed that the irradiation of proton and nitrogen ion beams led to a change in the chemical structure and energy level of the samples. We anticipate that this study could provide a meaningful strategic way to engineer a polymeric part for broader applications using proton and ion beams.