SYNOPSISThe creation of oxidized structures and double bonds in polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene ( P P ) samples implanted with P + ions was studied. The surface polarity and the electrical conductivity of the ion-implanted polymers were also examined. As a result of the ion implantation, the polymer macromolecules are broken up and the material is degraded. An oxygen penetration into the radiation-damaged polymers is also observed, with PE being more vulnerable to the oxidation. The ion-implanted PP exhibits higher surface polarity and sheet conductivity compared to that of PE. 0