In this study, the mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced epoxy composites were characterized using an in-house designed micro/nano tensile load stage in conjunction with an atomic force microscope (AFM). The surface of the nanocomposite was scanned by the AFM during intermittent tensile testing. Micro/nano deformation was observed, and the reinforcing mechanisms were discussed in conjunction with architecture and elastic modulus. Results show that the MWCNT reinforced nanocomposite has an increased elastic modulus. The Halpin-Tsai and Hui-Shia models were compared to the experimental results, and the Halpin-Tsai was found to correlate when only the load bearing outer layer of the MWCNTs were considered. Additionally, it is concluded that the combination of the load stage and AFM is capable of capturing insitu deformation progress for small strain increments.
Mechanical characterization of porous nano-thin films by use of atomic force acoustic microscopy
