Abstract
Currently,
achieving an accurate measurement of the mechanical properties of ultra-soft
materials requires specialized techniques, such as nano-indentation, atomic
force microscope (AFM)-based techniques, or rheology. These highly specialized
techniques provide only narrow and localized nanoscale characterization of
ultra-soft samples. These techniques require sophisticated equipment and/or
cannot perform measurements in ultra-soft heterogeneous systems. It is
difficult to understand the meso/macro scale length structural behavior of a
sample with limited insight into its local nanoscale characteristics. Some
ultra-soft materials may exhibit a wide range of mechanical characteristics
throughout different locations of the sample due to their anisotropic and
heterogeneous nature. To overcome these drawbacks, there is a need for an easier, accurate,
and accessible ultra-soft material testing platform. Ultra-soft materials
cannot be mechanically characterized through existing macroscale indenters,
which are conventionally made of metal and will typically pierce through the
ultra-soft material sample due to indentation from high loads. As a result,
such metal indenters fail to capture the adhesion forces, which are critical
for ultra-soft material characterization. This piercing phenomenon leads to a
grossly inaccurate estimation of the true mechanical properties of the
ultra-soft sample.The FIU technology provides advantageous systems and methods for
accurate characterization of the mechanical properties of ultra-soft materials through
the use of a millimeter-scale (e.g., 10 millimeter (mm)-diameter), ultra-high
molecular weight indenter probe. The indenter probe accurately captures the
adhesion forces present during the approach and detachment segments of the
indentation process.
Benefit
· Allows to measure the bulk mechanical properties of centimeter-scale ultra-soft materials through the indentation technique. · Allows for mechanical property testing of ultra-soft materials · Adaptable for conventional table-top mechanical frames. · Ease of accessibility and low cost of implementation
Market Application
Implant materials and technologies, Soft robotics, Tissue engineering technologies, Organ-on-chip technologies, Flexible Surgical equipment, Flexible electronics, Sensors and actuators, Structural and packaging materials, Foams and adhesives, Detergents, Cosmetics, Paints, Food additives, Lubricants and fuel additives
Brochure
