X-Ray Absorption Study of Ti and Cr Reactions with Triazine and Polyimide

In this paper we present results on the use of x-ray absorption spectroscopy and in particular extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) to study non-destructively buried interfaces between polymers and metals. In particular we study the interaction between isolated metal atoms (Ti or Cr) and the surrounding polymer matrix (polyimide or triazine). The metal atoms have been introduced into the polymer matrix using ion-implantation. We find that Cr forms a π complex with the aromatic structures of polyimide and triazine in agreement with model compound and XPS data. Ti on the other hand seems to form Ti-O-C bonds with both polymers.