Abstract: A method of treating the surface of a polymeric article by impact implantation with particulate material to attain hardening, abrasion resistance or other altered surface characteristics. High pressure treatment with a slurry of a liquid mixed with a ceramic particulate material in the 66 to 350 micron particle size range can be employed to implant the surface of a polymeric article to attain improved abrasion and erosion resistance. Similarly impact implantation with electrically conductive or magnetic materials can be employed to attain a conductive surface or a surface having electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristics. In addition to water jet impact implantation, there is disclosed methods of ultrasonic, sheet explosive and mechanical particle implantation.