Mechanical properties degradation of polyimide films irradiated by atomic oxygen

Mechanical properties of polyimide films are degraded by exposure to a low earth orbit environment. The main environmental factor for that degradation is atomic oxygen (AO). Using tensile tests, AO-irradiated surface topography observations, and fracture surface analyses, this study investigated the degradation behavior of polyimide films’ mechanical properties by increased AO fluence and its accompanying degradation mechanisms. Tensile strength and elongation of polyimide films were reduced concomitantly with increased AO fluence. Furthermore, AO-irradiated polyimide films fractured from the AO-irradiated surfaces, of which roughness became marked as AO fluence increased. These results reflect that reduction of mechanical properties is attributable to the roughness increase in AO-irradiated surfaces. Polyimide films coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) were also evaluated to confirm the degradation behavior of AO protective films. Surfaces of ITO-coated polyimide films remained smooth even after AO irradiation. However, undercut cavities were formed at ITO coating defect sites. Rupture of ITO-coated polyimide films initiates from the undercut cavities, engendering large reduction of tensile strength and elongation. The degradation of the mechanical properties of ITO-coated polyimide films increased substantially until the undercut cavities fully penetrated the film.