The observation and Raman analysis of the surface of a PET polymer after the
impact of an aluminium particle, combined with thermal modelling, have shown the
presence of a zone with modified crystallization. This heat affected zone, with a
thickness of a few microns, has different shapes depending on the geometry of the
splat particle which is at its origin. This is the sign of a sharp temperature increase
followed by a very rapid cooling. As a result, the proposition of crystallized phase
is gradually decreased, and an amorphous phase is formed in a thin layer close to
the surface. These results have been used to develop a protective plasma
spraying technique for the coating of organic parts.