Abstract
In this study, we investigated the necessity of encapsulation layer to maximize flexibility of brittle indium-tin-oxide (ITO) on polymer substrates. And, Young's modulus (E) of encapsulation layer han a significant effect on external bending stress and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of that han a significant effect on internal thermal stress. To compare the magnitude of total mechanical stress including both bending stress and thermal stress, the mechanical stress of triple-layer structure (substrate / ITO / encapsulation layer or substrate / buffer layer / ITO) can be quantified and numerically analyzed through the farthest cracked island position. As a result, it should be noted that multi-layer structures with more elastic encapsulation material have small mechanical stress compared to that of buffer and encapsulation structure of large Young's modulus material when they were externally bent.
