1. Fast Characterization of Defects and Inclusions in Multi-layer Films
Presented by: Peng Gao
Analytical chemist, Eastman Performance Films
Date: October, 29th, 2018
Approved for external use

2. Eastman Performance Films, LLC Martinsville, VA, US
Scratch Resistant
Coating
Mounting
Adhesive
Laminated
Components
PET+ Dye
Metal Deposit
(vapor deposition and sputtering)
Release liner
PET
Silicone
Approved for external use

3. Overview Contaminants in optically clear films
Large impact on quality
Trapped in multi-layers
Particles: microns
Organic/inorganic
100 µm
Approved for external use

4. Analysis of contaminants
Involves deconstruction of multi-layer films or microtome techniques.
Analysis of contaminants using current techniques could take a couple of days.
Location information is very often inconclusive.
Approved for external use

5. Approved for external use

6. Cutting by hand is not precise enough
Approved for external use

7. Nanoindenter (CB500, Nanovea) modified with cutting blades
Nanoindenter offers precise control to cut through the contamination in films.
Locate the contamination using the built-in microscope
Cut through the contamination using a sharp blade.
Approved for external use

8. Samples cut by the new technique
Approved for external use

9. Small particle contamination
5 microns
30 µm
40 µm
Approved for external use

10. Approved for external use
Flaky contamination
Approved for external use

11. Outcome of the new technique
Deconstruction
New technique
Took days
Machine?
Process?
Took less than 2 hours
In the coating
Approved for external use

12. Microtome vs. Nanoindenter technique
Advantages
No contamination from resin embedding
Fast
Precise
Limitations
Non-contact methods of chemical analysis
Organic contamination
Approved for external use

13. Approved for external use
Summary
A new technique for faster identification of contamination was developed by cutting precisely through contaminants.
Works for contamination as small as 5 microns.
No chemical or resin are needed.
Provides more conclusive information on the location of contamination (process & machine), offering a possible source for root cause analysis.
For organic contamination, microtoming may be required.
Approved for external use

14. Thanks!