Characterization of elastic properties of nanotubes

With our AFM we are investigating mechanical properties of nanometerials. The Young’s modulus of TiO2-derived nanoribbons was investigated. Nanoribbons were deposited on a flat surface containing holes. Occasionally we found individual nanoribbons laying over the holes. The Young’s modulus was measured by using a three-point bending method. Thin nanoribbons (cross-section dimension 30 nm) have an average Young’s modulus of 260 GPa. For thicker nanoribbons, which are composed of several thinner nanostrips, the bending modulus rapidly decreases with increasing cross-section. In this case shear deformations become relevant. The estimated shear modulus is 0.07–0.4 GPa. The results demonstrate good elastic properties of titania-derived nanoribbons.

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M. HUMAR, D. ARČON, P. UMEK, M. ŠKARABOT, I. MUŠEVIČ, G. BREGAR. Mechanical properties of titania-derived nanoribbons, Nanotechnology, 17, str. 3869-3872 (2006).