Surface Morphology Analysis of Metallic Structures Formed on Flexible Textile Composite Substrates.

Ewa Korzeniewska,Radosław Rosik,Zbigniew Starowicz,Artur Szczęsny,Joanna Sekulska-Nalewajko,Jarosław Gocławski

doi:10.3390/s20072128

Abstract

This paper compares methods for measuring selected morphological features on the surface of thin metallic layers applied to flexible textile substrates. The methods were tested on a silver layer with a thickness of several hundred nanometers, which was applied to a textile composite with the trade name Cordura. Measurements were carried out at the micro scale using both optical coherent tomography (OCT) and the traditional contact method of using a profilometer. Measurements at the micro-scale proved the superiority of the OCT method over the contact method. The method of contactless measurement employs a dedicated algorithm for three-dimensional surface image analysis and does not affect the delicate surface structure of the measured layer in any way. Assessment of the surface profile of textile substrates and the thin films created on them, is important when estimating the contact angle, wetting behavior, or mechanical durability of the created metallic structure that can be used as the electrodes or elements of wearable electronics or textronics systems.

Highlights

Textronics and flexible electronics are rapidly developing fields of science
This paper presents the results of measurements of Sa, Sp, Sv, and Sq parameters as the most representative for the description of surface morphology
In order to assess the accuracy of each presented measurement method, the roughness parameters of reference sample No 178–601, serial no. 318411402 (Table 3) were analyzed with the profilometric contact method, and the contactless method using optical coherent tomography (OCT)

Summary

Introduction

Common areas of interest in these fields include the creation of metallic layers with optimal electrical properties on flexible substrates. Such structures can be implemented in items requiring flexible electronics or in clothing with textronic elements and sensors as well. Good quality thin layers, acting as passive elements or electrically conductive paths [1], are a key parameter for their usage. Defects in metallic layers, such as irregular and heterogeneous structures or damage affecting their continuity, can cause disturbances in electrical conductivity, uneven temperature distribution, and local overheating, which in extreme cases leads to the destruction of the system [2,3]. The surface topography of such structures on a micro scale strongly affects their adhesive interaction with other surfaces [4,5,6,7]

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