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Surface Mechanical Property Determination of Soft Materials Through an AFM Nanoindentation Experiment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

Olivier Noel
Affiliation:
Université de Haute Alsace (UHA) Institut de Chimie des Surfaces et Interfaces (ICSI)-CNRS UPR 9069 BP 2488-MULHOUSE CEDEX-FRANCE.
Maurice Brogly
Affiliation:
Université de Haute Alsace (UHA) Institut de Chimie des Surfaces et Interfaces (ICSI)-CNRS UPR 9069 BP 2488-MULHOUSE CEDEX-FRANCE.
Gilles Castelein
Affiliation:
Université de Haute Alsace (UHA) Institut de Chimie des Surfaces et Interfaces (ICSI)-CNRS UPR 9069 BP 2488-MULHOUSE CEDEX-FRANCE.
Jacques Schultz
Affiliation:
Université de Haute Alsace (UHA) Institut de Chimie des Surfaces et Interfaces (ICSI)-CNRS UPR 9069 BP 2488-MULHOUSE CEDEX-FRANCE.
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Abstract

In this paper, we have studied the capability of the AFM to perform nanoindentation experiments. We mainly focused on the importance of a rigorous experimental procedure to get quantitative and reproducible data with the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Systematic calibration procedure of AFM measurements, as well as a complete description of the mechanical behavior of the soft material is necessary before producing reliable quantitative data. In particular, the influences of the creep and of the strain rate have been studied. Then, this technique was used to probe model cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and to extract their surface mechanical properties at the nanoscale. Young modulus of each sample was calculated by comparing different contact mechanics theories (Hertz and JKR theories and a power law expression). In conclusion, the contact mechanics relationships have to be redefined and adapted to soft materials. In particular, it appears necessary to consider the specific mechanical contribution of the polymers.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2002

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