title: Localization of folds and cracks in thin metal films coated on flexible elastomer foams.
abstract: Thin metal films coated on soft elastomeric foam substrates exhibit enhanced electromechanical performance. The open-cell foam structure conveys highly anisotropic mechanical properties within the top, thin capping elastomer at the surface of the foam. Upon stretching, large strain fields inducing cracks and folds localize above the foam cells, while the surrounding cell ligaments remain almost strain-free, enabling stable electrical conduction in the metallic coating.
authors: Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Centre for Neuroprosthetics, STI | IMT/IBI | LSBI, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors: Hugues
authors: H
authors: Vandeparre
authors: Qihan
authors: Q
authors: Liu
authors: Ivan R
authors: IR
authors: Minev
authors: Zhigang
authors: Z
authors: Suo
authors: Stéphanie P
authors: SP
authors: Lacour
mesh_terms: D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D020724:Elastomers; D011140:Polyurethanes; D006046:Gold