Introduction

The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the mechanical properties of nanomaterials. In particular, the invention relates to an innovative setup for performing tensile tests on nanomaterials, such as microfibers, ultra-thin films, including monoatomic layers (e.g., graphene), and the like.

Technical features

The device is based on an innovative setup for performing tensile tests on nanomaterials, such as microfibers, ultra-thin films, including monoatomic layers such as graphene. In order to determine the mechanical properties of nanomaterials, the device requires a nanomaterial sample to be fixed onto a substrate, which is mechanically connected to an actuator on one side and to a sensor on the opposite side. The substrate is configured to generate a fracture line thereof in a predetermined position to divide the substrate into two parts, of which a first part is connected to the actuator and a second part is connected to the sensor, allowing a relative movement between the actuator and the sensor.

Possible Applications

• Mechanical characterization of micro/nano films;
• Mechanical characterization of micro/nano fibers.

Advantages

• Simple and economical system;
• Full mechanical characterization of a specimen (stress-strain curve);
• Availability of a specimen that is initially deposited onto a substrate (thus overcoming the challenges due to manipulation of freestanding samples) without introducing substrate effects, though.