In this study the tensile stress/strain behavior of various consumer plastic thin film materials was measured using a low mass mechanical analyzer. Film thicknesses varied from 19 mm to 66 mm (0.75 mil to 2.6 mil). In this study the force applied to the samples was ramped at 0.05 N/min from 0.05 N to 1 N and sample strain was followed. All measurements were made at ambient conditions.

The tensile behavior of the consumer products were compared qualitatively and quantitatively. Three mechanical phenomena were observed in the materials: linear elastic behavior, a strengthening or increase in modulus, and yielding or rapid elongation with minimal changes in stress. In the linear elastic region modulus was measured as defined by the inverse of the slope of the stress versus strain curve. Modulus values of 87 MPa to 6 GPa were observed.