Effect of ultraviolet radiation on polyethylene naphthalate films irradiated with high-energy heavy ions

The effect of UV radiation in the spectral range of 280–400 nm on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) films has been studied. Changes in the optical absorption spectra of PEN after exposure to accelerated ions and UV radiation have been revealed. Changes in the surface properties have been explored, and the depth of the degraded polymer layer after long-term UV irradiation in air has been measured. Depending on the treatment time, the depth has made 0.1–0.9 μm. The photoablation rate and the quantum yield of monomer unit removal due to UV irradiation of the PEN films have been estimated at ~0.7 × 10 −4 molecule/photon. The possibility of the formation of asymmetric pores in PEN films using controlled photooxidative degradation has been shown.