Actuators (Oct 2018)

Preparing and Mounting Polymer Nanofibers onto Microscale Test Platforms

  • Ramesh Shrestha,
  • Sheng Shen,
  • Maarten P. de Boer

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/act7040071
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 4
p. 71

Abstract

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Because they can achieve a high degree of molecular chain alignment in comparison with their bulk counterparts, the mechanical and thermal properties of polymer nanofibers are of great interest. However, due to their nanometer-scale size, it is difficult to manipulate, grip, and test these fibers. Here, we demonstrate simple repeatable methods to transfer as-drawn fibers to micrometer-scale test platforms where their properties can be directly measured. Issues encountered and methods to minimize measurement artifacts are also discussed.

Keywords