Debonding of metal coating of a track-etched membrane

Abstract

Behavior of metallic nano-coating of the track membrane based on polyethylene terephthalate film under tension was investigated. In the vicinity of cracks in the coating, conical-shaped debondings of the coatings were observed. Debondings have the form of sharp cones, elongated along the tension axis and perpendicular to the cracks. Nanopores initiate multiple cracking of the coating, and the cracks initiate local debondings. Short microcracks mutually suppress their growth. As a result, long cracks crossing the entire coating do not appear. As a result, the coating retains its continuity and conducts electric current.