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In situ Characterization of Nanomechanical Behavior of Free-standing Nanostructures

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Abstract

The present paper reports the development of an in situ nanotensilometer that enables highly reliable mechanical tensile testing on individual micro-/nano-scale structures. The device features independent measurement of force and displacement histories in the specimen with nanoNewton force and sub-nanometer displacement resolutions, respectively. Moreover, the device is well suited for in situ testing of free-standing micro/nano-structures within a high resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM), which permits continuous high-resolution imaging of the specimen during straining. The device is comprised of two main parts: (a) a three-plate capacitive transducer that doubles up both as an actuator and a force sensor, and (b) a commercially available nanomanipulator that facilitates transportation and positioning of nanoscale structures with sub-nanometer precision. In order to conduct the mechanical tests the ends of the specimen are attached to the probe tips of the device using ion-beam induced deposition. The general capabilities and features of the nanotensilometer are illustrated by presenting results of nanomechanical tensile tests on electrospun polyaniline microfibers.

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Acknowledgments

This research conducted in the present study was supported by the National Science Foundation under award no. CTS 0438389 and AFOSR under award no. FA9550-08-1-0372. The authors would also like to acknowledge the Major Research Instrumentation awards by the National Science Foundation, MRI CMS: 0079458 for the acquisition of the Atomic Force Microscope and the Hysitron Triboscope, and MRI CMMI: 0521364 for the scanning electron microscope, gas injection systems, and the nanomanipulators used in the present investigation.

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  1. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7222, USA

    P. B. Kaul, U. Singh & V. Prakash (SEM member)

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  1. P. B. Kaul
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Correspondence to V. Prakash.

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Kaul, P.B., Singh, U. & Prakash, V. In situ Characterization of Nanomechanical Behavior of Free-standing Nanostructures. Exp Mech 49, 191–205 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-008-9179-4

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