Indentation failure of polymeric membrane with anisotropic pore structures

This study systematically investigates the indentation deformation behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes used for water purification. The examined PTFE membrane has micron-sized pores with an open cell structure. The pore structure is anisotropic in shape owing to its fabrication via the stretching method. A uniaxial tension demonstrates the membranes undergo elastic and plastic deformation with significant anisotropy (as the...