Complementary TEM and AFM force spectroscopy to characterize the nanomechanical properties of nanoparticle chain aggregates

Nanoparticle chain aggregates are used as reinforcing fillers in elastomers (rubber) and significantly enhance the mechanical properties (tensile strength, Young's modulus) of elastomers. Insight into mechanisms of the performance of nanoparticle chain aggregates can be obtained from force vs displacement (force spectroscopy) measurements made with an AFM tip and an aggregate-coated substrate. Distinctive sawtooth patterns were observed which were interpreted as aggregate stretching and breaking events. Based on the measurements, estimates of the aggregate nanomechanical properties were made.