Measurement of Tensile Properties for Carbon Nano Tubes Using Nano Force Sensor

나노 힘 센서를 이용한 탄소나노튜브 인장물성 측정

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted an increasing attention due to their superior mechanical properties and potential application in industries. The strength of CNT has been predicted or calculated through several simulation techniques but actual experiments on stress-strain behavior are rare due to its dimensional limit, nanoscale positioning/manipulation, and instrumental resolution. We have attempted to observe straining responses of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) by performing an in-situ tensile testing in a scanning electron microscope. The carbon nanotube, having its both ends attached on a cantilever force sensor and Y-shaped support, was elongated by a computer-controlled nanomanipulator. Linear deformation and fracture behaviors of MWNT were successfully observed and its force-displacement curve was also measured from the bending stiffness and displacement of the force sensor and manipulator.