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Published on: September 1, 2018
Novel method for mechanical characterization of polymeric nanofibers
Mohammad Naraghi1, Ioannis Chasiotis, Harold Kahn
1Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 325 Talbot Lab, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|September 4, 2007
Summary
A new microelectromechanical system (MEMS) method enables nanoscale mechanical testing of nanofibers. This technique accurately measures the elastic-perfectly plastic behavior and large strains of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Nanofibers possess unique mechanical properties crucial for advanced applications.
- Characterizing the nanoscale mechanical behavior of highly deformable nanofibers presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for nanoscale mechanical characterization of deformable nanofibers.
- To investigate the mechanical behavior of electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) test platform with an integrated leaf-spring load cell.
- Utilizing digital image correlation (DIC) for precise displacement and strain measurement under an optical microscope.
- Performing submicron tensile tests on nanofibers under ambient conditions.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated accuracy in displacement measurement better than 50 nm using the optical DIC method.
- Investigated polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (300-600 nm diameter) revealing elastic-perfectly plastic behavior.
- Obtained an elastic modulus of 7.6+/-1.5 GPa and strains exceeding 220% due to necking phenomena.
Conclusions:
- The developed MEMS-based method provides accurate nanoscale mechanical characterization of deformable nanofibers.
- Electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers exhibit significant ductility and a distinct elastic-perfectly plastic mechanical response.
- The findings offer insights into nanofiber deformation mechanisms, relevant for material design and applications.
