A tensile test device for in situ atomic force microscope mechanical testing

The microstructure and mechanical behavior of polymeric-based materials can be controlled at the micro- and nanometer length scales through blending, copolymerization, and the incorporation of micro- and nanometer particles. To facilitate the study of morphology, deformation mechanisms, and mechanical properties of micro- and nanocomposite materials, a tensile testing machine with an integral commercial atomic force microscope (AFM) was designed and built. This testing machine determines the macroscopic stress-strain behavior of materials under different controlled loading conditions, and simultaneously allows the microscopic structure changes to be observed using the AFM. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.