Mechanical Characterization of One-Dimensional Nanomaterials: Using MEMS technology and in-situ SEM/TEM experimentations

Novel materials and nanostructures with superior electro-mechanical properties are emerging in the development of novel devices. Engineering application of these materials requires accurate electro-mechanical characterization, which in turn requires development of novel experimental techniques. This book outlines the investigation of the mechanical and electrical properties of one- dimensional nanomaterials. One-dimensional nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), ZnO and GaN nanowires were investigated using MEMS technology and in situ SEM/TEM experimentation. This nanoscale materials testing system (nMTS) allows the direct correlation of stress-strain state and defect nucleation and propagation. For CNTs, the fracture strengths of arc-discharge- grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were measured using nMTs within a TEM. Single-shell failures were observed with a mean fracture strength in excess of 100 GPa, which exceeds prior observations by more than a factor of three. Using the same experiment, the Young s modulus and tensile strengths of ZnO and GaN NWs were measured.