Solvent-induced damage in polyimide thin films

Abstract
Solvent induced crazes formed in strained polyimide thin films on different substrates have been studied. A fracture mechanics approach has been used to simulate craze evolution. The experiments and simulations have identified a critical prestrain below which craze formation does not occur. This strain decreases with increase in solvent exposure time, but also exhibits a threshold. Diffusion of the solvent into the film is considered to be responsible for the time-dependent nature of damage formation.
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