Hydrogen permeation through uniaxially strained SiOx barrier thin films photochemically prepared on PET foil substrates

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 81; pp. 405 - 410
• Main Authors: With, P.C., Pröhl, T., Gerlach, J.W., Prager, A., Konrad, A., Arena, F., Helmstedt, U.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 04.09.2024
• Subjects: Film elongation; Film stress; Gas barrier film; Hydrogen permeation; Photochemistry; Photoconversion; Hydrogen permeation; Film elongation; Gas barrier film; Film stress; Photoconversion; Photochemistry
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.07.249

Hydrogen permeation through uniaxially strained thin SiOx based gas barrier films, formed at room temperature and ambient pressure on PET foil substrates by UV photochemical conversion (Photoconversion), was investigated using a dedicated measurement system. Hydrogen permeation measurements were conducted as a function of the stack of laminated single SiOx barrier films, of the sample temperature as well as of the uniaxial mechanical strain applied to the samples. The results demonstrate a significant overall improvement of the hydrogen barrier properties for both single SiOx barrier films on PET and laminated single SiOx barrier films on PET. In the case of strained samples, the hydrogen barrier properties deteriorate due to stress-induced crack formation in the barrier films. This deterioration is strongest for strained single SiOx barrier films but can be substantially reduced by laminating single SiOx barrier films. •Hydrogen permeation measurements as a function of sample strain and temperature•Use of a dedicated hydrogen permeation measurement system for strained samples•Hydrogen permeation through thin SiOx gas barrier films on PET foil substrates•SiOx barrier films formed by UV photochemical conversion of perhydropolysilazane•Hydrogen barrier improvement for single and laminated SiOx barrier films on PET