Crack preserving effect in ultrathin metal films on elastomer membranes induced by e-beam irradiation

Investigation of cracking phenomena in metal-polymer-laminate-composites (MPLCs) is essential for the utilization in flexible electronics and sensors. The size scale of the process and/or load-induced micro- and nano-cracks imply the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for the analysis of the cracking behaviour. Here we show a crack preserving effect of e-beam irradiation on the morphological evolution during (un-) loading, discuss possible underlying mechanisms and emphasize on chances and the importance of it, during the interpretation of experimental results as well as for advanced study protocols or application scenarios.