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How Stretchable Can We Make Thin Metal Films?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Candice Tsay ,
Stephanie P. Lacour ,
Sigurd Wagner ,
Teng Li  and
Zhigang Suo
Candice Tsay
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
Stephanie P. Lacour
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
Sigurd Wagner
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
Teng Li
Affiliation:
Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
Zhigang Suo
Affiliation:
Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Abstract

Thin metal films deposited on elastomeric substrates can remain electrically conducting at tensile strains up to ~∼00%. We recently used finite-element simulation to explore the rupture process of a metal film on an elastomer. The simulation predicted the highest stretchability on stiff elastomeric substrates [1]. We now report experiments designed to verify this prediction. A ∼15-μm thick silicone elastomer layer with Young's modulus E ∼ 160 MPa is deposited on a 1mm thick membrane of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone elastomer with E ∼3 MPa. Metal stripes consisting of 25-nm thick gold (Au) film sandwiched between two 5-nm thick chromium (Cr) adhesion layers are fabricated either on top of the stiff layer spun onto the soft membrane substrate, or are encapsulated at the interface between the two elastomers. Encapsulated gold films remain electrically conducting beyond 40% strain. But conductors deposited on top of stiff elastomer lose conduction at strains of 3-8%. These results suggest that, in addition to the stiffness of the elastomeric substrate, the initial microstructure of the metal film plays a role in determining its stretchability.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 875: Symposium O – Thin Films - Stresses and Mechanical Properties XI , 2005 , O5.5
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2005

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