Analysis of Mechanical and Electrical Responses in Molybdenum Silicide Thin Film Laid on PET During Tension Application

The mechanical and electrical behavior of molybdenum silicide (MoSi2) thin films sputtered on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) substrates is examined in this work, with a focus on tensile strain.PET substrates were systematically prepared, coated with different thicknesses of MoSi2 (between 100 and 200 nm), and then put through tensile testing to evaluate the mechanical integrity and electrical properties.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe the formation and evolution of cracks, particularly noting their density, distribution, and orientation relative to the applied load.The results revealed an increasing pattern in crack density and width heightened strain levels, notably perpendicular to the direction of tension.Thicker films demonstrated heightened resistance to cracking, suggesting a correlation between film thickness and mechanical robustness.Concurrently, electrical resistance measurements indicated a direct relationship between increasing strain and resistance, reflecting the structural disruptions within the film.This research provides critical insights into the fracture mechanics and electrical response of MoSi2 thin films under stress, highlighting the implications for their use in flexible electronics and other applications where endurance and adaptability are paramount.