Characterizing the Mechanical Properties and Degradation of Thin Polymer Membranes

Published

August 28, 2011

Author(s)

Christopher M. Stafford, Jun Y. Chung, Junghyun Lee

Abstract

The elasticity, strength, and toughness of thin polymer membranes are of considerable interest since direct knowledge of these key mechanical properties can provide insight into performance, durability, and underlying degradation mechanisms that occur over a membrane’s operational lifetime. However, there is a considerable lack of knowledge about these key mechanical properties due to the lack of appropriate measurement tools at the nanometer scale. Hence, research has focused on direct performance measurements aided by chemical and structural analysis, such as spectroscopy and scattering techniques. In this work, we utilize the phenomena of wrinkling and cracking as a tool for measuring the modulus, fracture strength, and onset fracture strain of ultrathin polymer membranes .

Proceedings Title

American Chemical Society Fall 2011 National Meeting & Exposition

Volume

242

Conference Dates

August 28-September 1, 2011

Conference Location

Denver, CO

Conference Title

241st ACS National Meeting, Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering: PMSE Preprints

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

wrinkling, cracking, membranes, thin films, mechanical properties, water, reverse osmosis

Citation

Stafford, C. , Chung, J. and Lee, J. (2011), Characterizing the Mechanical Properties and Degradation of Thin Polymer Membranes, American Chemical Society Fall 2011 National Meeting & Exposition , Denver, CO (Accessed October 18, 2025)