In-situ nanomechanical studies of deformation and damage mechanisms in nanocomposites monitored using scanning electron microscopy

Novel diagnostic techniques incorporating focused ion beam (FIB) micro-milling, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in-situ SEM nanomechanical load frames performed micro-cantilever beam experiments on bio-inspired nanocomposites. Video of fracture behavior during the experiments correlated to load frame data indicated a hardening mechanism similar to the deformation mechanisms found in nacre. These methods developed for nanocomposites are applicable to a wide range of material systems for providing a unique understanding of deformation and failure mechanisms at lower length scales.