Enhancement of Surface Hardness and Glossiness of Polymer Composites Filled with Reclaimed Marble Waste Powder by Ion Beam Irradiation

Upon exposure of polymer composites to ion beam irradiation, polymer chain scission, cross-linking, oxidation, and increase of unsaturation occur, which may influence the surface aesthetics and hardness of the composites. We fabricated polymer composites reinforced with marble waste powders and utilized a nitrogen ion implantation technique to achieve ceramic-like glossiness on the composite surfaces. The marble powder was chosen as a reinforcement owing to its excellent thermomechanical properties, inexpensive costs, and eco-friendly features. The surface aesthetics of the composites was significantly enhanced and the surface roughness of them was decreased by implanting the nitrogen ion. We simulated the nitrogen ion penetration lengths into the surface to characterize the relationship among carbonization/nitrogen ions doping effects, surface color and glossiness, and surface hardness. The carbonization/nitrogen ions doping effects were extensively characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.