Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
An analysis of bulk and interfacial damage of film/substrate systems consisting of copper or chromium films deposited on a single polymer substrate, is presented here. For these systems (metal/single polymer substrate) the failure analysis is based on the experimental results obtained from deformation experiments performed in a scanning electron microscope. Critical parameters deduced from the experiments, and microstructural observations allow us to discuss the mechanical behaviour of these systems, and their interfacial adhesion properties.