We study the dewetting of thin polymer films deposited on
slippery substrate. Recent experiments by Reiter et al. and by
Damman et al. on these systems have revealed many unexpected
features. We develop here a model that takes into account the
rheological properties of polymer melts, focussing on two
dewetting geometries (the receding of a straight edge, and the
opening of a hole). We show that the friction law associated with
the slippage between the film and the substrate has a direct
influence on the dewetting dynamic. In addition, we demonstrate
that residual stresses, which can be stored in the films due to
their viscoelasticity, are a source of destabilization for
polymer films, and accelerate the dewetting process [work done in
collaboration with T. Villemin, G. Reiter's group and P. Damman's
group].
