Electrolytes in etching of latent tracks of heavy ions in polyethylene terephthalate

Previously unknown features of etching of polyethylene terephthalate, latent tracks of multiply charged accelerated ions in it, and track membrane pore formation are considered. It was found that K ions (in the form of KCl salt) in a KOH solution enhance etching of both initial polyethylene terephthalate and tracks. Ba²⁺ ions enhancing etching of initial polymer significantly inhibit etching of tracks. It is assumed that etching inhibition is associated with Ba²⁺ ion adsorption on track active centers. The features detected are used to fabricate track membranes with thin selective layer.