In situ Transmission Electron Microscope Nanoindenter and Tribometer

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Methods for nanomechanical testing have become a critical part of materials research, with the ever-increasing importance of nanomaterials and nanoscale phenomena in modern technological applications. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has evolved to a level where fully instrumented nanomechanical tests can be performed simultaneously, providing unique opportunities for studying fundamental deformation mechanisms in materials at the nanoscale. Seeing is believing, for instance, in situ TEM testing can be performed to investigate the dynamic behaviour of dislocations and their interactions with other defects such as twin, grain or phase boundaries, while these observations are being made, the load and depth can also be recorded, which cannot be obtained using any conventional technique. So far, most in situ TEM studies have focused on conventional materials such as pure metals to study their quasi-static properties, for example, modulus and strength. There is little understanding of their other nanoscale mechanical behaviour, for example, fracture, creep, fatigue, friction and wear, which are critical in realistic applications. Furthermore, in situ TEM studies may lead to new insights into the deformation mechanisms of a wide range of emerging materials, including high-entropy alloys (HEAs), 2D materials, energy materials, and bio-based materials. In this application, our team requests an in situ TEM indenter and tribometer system for dynamically acquiring quantitative mechanical and imaging data during in situ TEM experiments. The instrument is essential for supporting five NSERC-funded research programs, including the following projects: (1) Nanoscale deformation and wear behaviour of HEAs; (2) Nanoscale mechanical reliability of 2D materials; (3) Nanoscale mechanical behaviour of energy storage materials. The team includes two applicants and 12 collaborators, comprised of researchers spanning a range of academic expertise, cultural backgrounds, and career stages, including balanced gender representation. Among them, the applicant and three collaborators are early career researchers. Inclusion, diversity, and gender equity are fully considered in team composition and HQP training. The requested equipment will provide unique opportunities to train more than 20 highly qualified personnel (HQP) immediately and over 60 HQP in the next five years. The requested equipment is not only vital to the proposed research, but it also has versatile applications for many other NSERC-funded research programs related to advanced materials, mechanics and characterization. Up to now, there has been no in situ TEM indenter and tribometer in Ontario. The requested instrument will be installed in a U of T's central infrastructure - Ontario Centre for the Characterisation of Advanced Materials (OCCAM) and open to all the users in Canada. It will bring new collaborative opportunities for many research groups and industrial partners in Canada.