Effect of Thin Film Formation by Ion Beam Mixing on Environmental Degradation of Polyetherimide Resin

Polyetherimide (PEI) resin has excellent characteristics in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, particularly in crack resistance. Thus, its applications are being extended to precision components for electric and electronic devices or medical equipment. In the area of medical care, the repetition of water wash or UV (ultraviolet) ray irradiation on tools must be applied after medical treatment in order to prevent bacterial infection. From these view points, this study was made to evaluate the degradation behavior of PEI resin caused by water absorption and UV ray irradiation. And for the purpose of higher functionalization of PEI resin, the surface coating of titanium (Ti) thin film was tried by vacuum vapor deposition or assisted vapor deposition using the ion beam mixing method. The effect of thin film formation upon water absorption characteristics was examined.