Mechanical integrity of touch-screen components

Despite efforts to replace them, ceramic-coated polymer electrodes are still enjoying an extensive use in touch-screen applications. Their mechanical behavior is of importance and can have an effect on the structural integrity of the touch system. In this paper, the mechanical and tribological response of such electrodes, under cyclic loading conditions, is investigated. Controlled buckling experiments and reciprocating wear studies are performed. Buckling experimental results suggest that the residual stresses present in the film can play an important role in the overall mechanical integrity of the device. Also, tribological studies show that an irreversible damage of the ITO functionality, above 1000 reciprocating cycles, takes place. Understanding and improving the mechanical and tribological reliability of touch-screen electrodes will result in designing touch-screen devices with enhanced structural integrity.