Synthesis of metallic dispersion and continuous films in the viscous polymer by implantation of cobalt ions

The polymer molecule mobility as an ion implantation synthesis parameter controlling nucleation and growth processes of the metal nanoparticles in the organic matrix is considered. The size, shape and crystal structure of synthesized nanoparticles are determined by the substrate molecule mobility (viscosity) as shown for the cobalt ion implantation into the viscous epoxy. Under the conditions of the liquid polymer structure homogeneity (viscosity less than 50 Pa.s), the implanted atoms condense into spherical nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. At a polymer viscosity of 50 Pa.s and above, the morphology and phase composition of the dispersion metal film are defined by the forming supermolecular structure of cured polymer. It is shown that spatially oriented nanostructures of metal particles and quasi-continuous monocrystal thin films can be produced also by implantation in the viscous polymer. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.