Irradiation effects in polymers induced by swift heavy ions

The irradiation effects in polymers induced by swift heavy ions were reviewed in comparison with that induced by low ionization particles based on the characteristics of swift heavy ion irradiations. It is shown that bond breaking and cross linking, gas releasing, amorphization and carbonization of polymers depend strongly on the electronic energy loss. Basides special effects such as alkynes production, can be induced under swift heavy ion irradiation. The perspectives of the investigations of the polymer irradiation effects induced by swift heavy ions were discussed by looking at the new progresses achieved in the corresponding application studies