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Thin ionomer membranes showing nanostructure phase separation are widely used in low temperature fuel cells as electrolytes. Examples include perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers, better known as Nafion™ produced by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Their electrochemical performance and mechanical strength properties are determined by their molecular morphology, which resembles water-filled hydrophilic micellae (4∼5nm in size) dispersed in a hydrophobic matrix. Temperature and humidity are two major parameters in an internal fuel cell working environment, which have significant influence on this nanostructure and consequently influence the material properties. The transport properties of such ionomers have been extensively studied. In this paper, we will discuss fracture and strength of such membranes, as related to humidity and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]