Acquisition of an Interfacial Force Microscope (IFM) for Nano-structured Materials, Ultra-precision Manufacturing, and Nanomechanics Research

该MRI补助金支持界面力显微镜（IFM）的收购。 IFM采用自平衡式力传感器，使力的测量与位移测量无关，因此可以精确测量力。 IFM能够探测聚合物和纳米结构材料等材料的热机械行为，从原子级到微米级，在一定温度范围内的力范围在1 nN和500 microN之间。 新的设备将允许在纤维或纳米颗粒附近的基质和纳米泡沫中的纳米颈中的杨氏松弛模量的表征，以及在纳米颗粒/基质的界面处的界面强度和在不同温度下粘合剂的粘合强度。 该设备还将能够研究晶体缺陷中的短程力、纳米滑动和纳米摩擦学、纳米级裂纹的萌生和传播以及内聚牵引分离定律。 收购IFM将提高俄克拉荷马州的研究竞争力。 IFM将用于本科生和研究生的研究和实验室演示。 该仪器将作为研究设施的一部分，供研究人员和研究生在俄克拉荷马州纳米网上使用。

This MRI grant supports the acquisition of an Interfacial Force Microscope (IFM). The IFM uses self-balanced force sensor so that force can be measured precisely as its measurement is independent of displacement measurement. The IFM is capable of probing the thermo-mechanical behavior of such materials as polymers and nano-structured materials from atomistic to micrometer scales with a force range between 1 nN and 500microN over a range of temperatures. The new equipment will allow the characterization of the Young's relaxation modulus in the matrix near fibers or nanoparticles and the nano-necks in nanofoams, and interfacial strength at the interface of nanoparticle/matrix and the bonding strength of adhesives at different temperatures. The equipment will also enable investigation of the short-range forces in crystal imperfections, nanosliding and nanotribology, nanoscale crack initiation and propagation, and cohesive traction separation law. The acquisition of the IFM will enhance the research competitiveness of the State of Oklahoma. The IFM will be used in research studies and in laboratory demonstration for both undergraduate and graduate students. The instrument will be included as part of the research facilities for use by researchers and graduate students on the Oklahoma NanoNet.