Nano-palpation AFM and its quantitative mechanical property mapping

Abstract

We review nano-palpation atomic force microscopy, which offers quantitative mechanical property mapping especially for soft materials. The method measures force-deformation curves on the surfaces of soft materials. The emphasis is placed on how both Hertzian and Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov contact mechanics fail to reproduce the experimental curves and, alternatively, how the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts model does. We also describe the force-volume technique for obtaining a two-dimensional map of mechanical properties, such as the elastic modulus and adhesive energy, based on the above-mentioned analysis. Finally, we conclude with several counterpart measurements, which describe the viscoelastic nature of soft materials, and give examples, including vulcanized isoprene rubber and the current status of ISO standardization.

Regulation of crystalline morphologies and mechanical properties of olefin multiblock copolymers by blending polymer with similar architecture of constituent blocks

“…This mode maps and distinguishes according to nanomechanical properties, including modulus and adhesion, while simultaneously imaging sample topography at high resolution. [49][50][51] As the modulus of crystalline and amorphous phase is completely different, the contour profiles of lamellae can be observed clearly. Meanwhile, the probe touches the sample intermittently and the forces applied to the sample can be precisely controlled for this mode.…”

Mechanical property and structure of a butadiene rubber composite filled with syndiotactic polybutadiene resin

“…The tip geometry was obtained by tapping mode imaging of a tip‐check sample (Aurora NanoDevices, Nanaimo, Canada) and then analyzed by using an in‐house Igor Pro procedure following the method of Ref. . Force−distance curves were collected over randomly selected surfaces, with an area of 256 pixels × 256 pixels.…”

“…Force−distance curves were collected over randomly selected surfaces, with an area of 256 pixels × 256 pixels. The Young's modulus was obtained by fitting the unloading curve using the Johnson−Kendall−Robert (JKR) two‐point method . The classic JKR theory describes adhesive contact for an elastically isotropic material.…”

“…Tensile tests for VCR vulcanizates with different SPB contents were carried out. In addition, the structural analysis was carried out to clarify the nanostructure of VCR using nano‐palpation atomic force microscope (AFM) technology, which was developed by Nakajima and coworkers and offers quantitative mechanical property mapping images . Finally, we discuss the reinforcement mechanism for VCR.…”

Note: Nanomechanical characterization of soft materials using a micro-machined nanoforce transducer with an FIB-made pyramidal tip

“…Within the proof-of-principle test, a vulcanized isoprene rubber (IR), which was recently employed as a testing material for AFM nanomechanical measurements 14 , has been investigated. One of the typical indentation force- Comb-drives for material testing depth curves for this material is shown in Fig.…”