Schauries, DanielMota-Santiago, PabloGilbert, Elliot PaulKirby, NTrautmann, C.Kluth, Patrick2021-12-080014-3057http://hdl.handle.net/1885/255000Ion tracks created in polycarbonate foils by irradiation with 2.2 GeV Au ions were characterized using a combination of small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The ion tracks were found to consist of a cylindrical damage core with a radius of ∼2.5 ± 0.2 nm and a relative density approximately 5% below that of the pristine polycarbonate. Upon exposure to thermal annealing between 100 and 200 °C, the tracks were observed to double in size. Simultaneously, this led to a recovery in the density of the ion track, reaching a value just below that of the pristine polymer. A mechanism is proposed that explains this behavior by diffusion of radiolysis products/material flow into the under-dense track core from the surrounding region. Treatment of the tracks with UV radiation has shown no significant change in the track structure and size.application/pdfen-AUCrown Copyright © 2018 Published by Elsevier LtdPolycarbonateIon trackIon irradiationSmall angle scattering201810.1016/j.eurpolymj.2018.09.0252020-11-23