Novel approach to tensile testing of micro- and nanoscale fibers

Abstract

A method of using existing atomic force microscope (AFM)-based nanoindentation system, which was proposed to perform tensile test of microfibers, was discussed. The force transducer of the nanoindenter was used to measure the tensile force required to stretch the microfiber. The elongation of the microfiber was measured by subtracting the elongation of the transducer spring from the total elongation of the microfiber and transducer spring. It was concluded that the system is able to provide a high load resolution of 80 nN and displacement resolution of 0.5 nm.