Influence of Metal Deformation on the Properties of a Potential Barrier in the Metal/Polymer Structure

Abstract

This paper investigates the dependence of the potential barrier at the metal/polymer interface on the elastic and plastic deformation of the metal. Interest in such studies is observed due to the fact that flexible electronic devices are being developed on the basis of organic materials, which should provide the same efficiency and stability as their rigid counterparts. At the same time, it is known that deformation processes in the metal/polymer structure can lead to changes in the electrophysical parameters of such a structure. The observed effect can be used to control the state of metal structures and samples, such as phase transitions, crack initiation, and structural changes. Developments in the field of small strain sensorics and the development of micromechanical devices are being actively pursued. In this regard, the search becomes more urgent for organic materials with a complex of physical properties, improved mechanical characteristics, acceptable film-forming properties and required electrical characteristics. The energy barrier at the metal/polymer interface is well defined within the Schottky theory. The transport of charge carriers is described by the injection model. However, in contrast to the classical metal/semiconductor transition, the potential barrier of such an interface is determined not by the difference between the metal work function and the electron affinity energy of the polymer, but by the difference between the metal and polymer work functions. The electronic work function from metal and polymer can be chosen so that the difference between them is small. Consequently, small changes in the work function of an electron from a metal will lead to a noticeable change in the value of the potential barrier. In addition, the effects of switching from a dielectric to a state with high conductivity observed in some polymers of polyarylenephthalides make it also possible to determine abrupt and discontinuous changes that occur in a metal sample. It was found that with an increase in the degree of elastic deformation of the metal, the value of the potential barrier decreases. During the transition from elastic to plastic deformation of the metal, a transition of the dielectric polymer film is observed to a state with high conductivity. The results of this paper can be used for nondestructive testing and analysis of the state of metals.