Researchers from Texas Tech University developed a new way to study the interface between graphene and an elastic substrate, using AFM microscopy. This method may make it easier to understand and eventually commercialize graphene applications in flexible electronics.
The research team at TTU created a sandwich made of CVD-grown graphene sandwiched in two polymer layers. Nano-bubble inflation was used to "blow" this "nano-sandwich". This was done under AFM, which allowed the microscope to pick up the stress/strain signals.
A year ago, researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of Texas published a similar study with Raman Spectrum Analysis. Nano-bubble inflation is less expensive and easier compared to Raman technology.