Mechanical Testing of Nanocomposites Using An AFM-Based Micro/Nano Tensile Tester

Nanoscale materials have applications across many engineering fields including structural composites, surface coatings, electronics, bio materials, and chemical catalysts, due largely to the significantly different properties these structures exhibit versus than their large scale counterparts. Understanding the mechanical properties of nanoscale structures is thus vital to utilize these materials effectively. A micro/nano tensile tester was designed for use with an atomic force microscope (AFM) to capture mechanical behavior mechanisms throughout load application (such as nano-crack propagation, and composite reinforcement re-orientation and deformation). This tester is able to offer great flexibilities in application with options of added functionalities to the control system as the requirement arises. The range of applications is extended through interchangeable load cells and sample mounting fixtures. Carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites were fabricated and tensile/compressive tests were performed using the newly designed tester in conjunction with an AFM.