Evaluating Stretchability of Metals on PDMS: The Impact of Deposition Techniques and Temperature

This study investigates the stretchability of conductive thin films on flexible substrates, focusing on the influence of temperature as a key microfabrication parameter. Tensile fatigue tests were performed on gold and platinum samples to assess their mechanical properties based on the deposition techniques used. This study explores electrodes produced through sputtering deposition and thermal evaporation. The results suggest that sputtered gold samples demonstrate superior mechanical characteristics compared to those obtained via thermal evaporation, indicating potential advantages for flexible electronic implants. Furthermore, the study examines the impact of temperature on the mechanical fatigue of the deposits, underscoring its significant influence on device performance. While the tests are not exhaustive, they lay the groundwork and offer insights for future investigations in the design of neurological and biomedical devices. This study contributes to understanding the intricate relationships between temperature and mechanical behaviour in flexible implantable electronics, paving the way for future developments in neurological therapies and biomedical engineering