Investigating wettability and optical properties of PADC polymer irradiated by low energy Ar ions

Polyallyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) polymer, commonly used in optometry, is irradiated by different fluences of low energy Ar ions to optimize its wetting behavior and optical response. Surface wettability is evaluated by contact angle method (for water and glycerol) which shows noticeable improvement. Also, adhesion and surface free energy analysis indicate that adsorption properties of PADC enhanced after irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy is applied to relate surface morphology with wettability changes and optical properties of the target polymer. UV–vis spectra are recorded to investigate the effect of the induced defects on the optical band gap and the formed carbon clusters size. It is found that carbon domains created over the surface are responsible for band gap decrease. Photoluminescence spectral changes have been studied as well. Low energy Ar ions are suitable to improve PADC surface properties.