Measuring the mechanical response of polymers at small length scales requires abilities to both probe and visualize structure with high spatial resolution.  Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to probe nanomechanical response through contact mechanics-based methods, such as AFM-based indentation and contact resonance-AFM.  AFM can also be combined with a small scale mechanical testing stage to provide in situ visualization of deformation.  Recent application of these methods to various polymer systems, including high strength fibers and soft elastomers and gels, will be presented.

Nanomechanics of polymers using AFM-based techniques

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.