| Steven P. Koenig, Narasimha G. Boddeti, Martin L. Dunn, and J. Scott Bunch*
The study investigates the ultra-strong adhesion of graphene membranes to a silicon oxide (SiO₂) substrate, using a pressurized blister test. The researchers measured the adhesion energy of monolayer and multilayer graphene sheets, finding values of 0.45 ± 0.02 J/m² and 0.31 ± 0.03 J/m², respectively. These values are significantly higher than those typically observed in micromechanical systems and comparable to solid/liquid adhesion energies. The high adhesion is attributed to the extreme flexibility of graphene, which allows it to conform closely to the substrate's surface, making the interaction more liquid-like than solid-like. The study also discusses the theoretical modeling of the deformation of the graphene membrane under pressure and the repeatability of elastic constant measurements. The results provide insights into the adhesive forces in graphene-based devices and fundamental studies of surface forces in ultra-thin structures.The study investigates the ultra-strong adhesion of graphene membranes to a silicon oxide (SiO₂) substrate, using a pressurized blister test. The researchers measured the adhesion energy of monolayer and multilayer graphene sheets, finding values of 0.45 ± 0.02 J/m² and 0.31 ± 0.03 J/m², respectively. These values are significantly higher than those typically observed in micromechanical systems and comparable to solid/liquid adhesion energies. The high adhesion is attributed to the extreme flexibility of graphene, which allows it to conform closely to the substrate's surface, making the interaction more liquid-like than solid-like. The study also discusses the theoretical modeling of the deformation of the graphene membrane under pressure and the repeatability of elastic constant measurements. The results provide insights into the adhesive forces in graphene-based devices and fundamental studies of surface forces in ultra-thin structures.