Mechanical Properties of Very Thin Polymer Films

Abstract

The uniaxial and biaxial mechanical properties of five thin filmpolymers have been measured. Parylenes N, C, and M exhibit uniform properties to thicknesses as low as 0.12 μ; the 4.3 μ polyester (Mylar) and the 2.3 μ polycarbonate (Kimfol) show tensile and elongation properties inferior to those measured on thicker sections. Biaxial rupture strengths were found to vary directly with film thickness and inversely with the half‐power of the unsupported area. The measured rupture constant is shown to be a function of the tensile strength and ultimate elongation of the material.