Tearing of thin polyimide films
Films of BTDA-ODA polyimide up to 58 microns thick were torn at constant cross-head speed in 'trousers' tests. In common with previous results on polyolefins, the work of tearing was found to increase markedly with specimen thickness. A model for the increase, based on the volume of plastically deformed material adjacent to the crack plane, was found to be only qualitatively valid. The experimental slope of a plot of tearing energy (per unit area) against thickness was 70 MJ/cu m. Optical and scanning electron micrographs of torn films are discussed in regard to the modes of failure.