Experimental Nanomechanics of Materials and Interfaces

What We Do

At the heart of any reliable nano-engineered device—be it a microbattery electrode or a microrobot’s structural arm—lies a foundational question: how do materials behave at the smallest scales and at the interfaces where different materials meet? Our lab investigates the mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale, examining how they deform, fracture, wear, or fatigue over time. We pay special attention to interfaces, where subtle changes in atomic arrangement or chemistry can significantly influence overall device performance. By employing tools such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation, electron microscopy, and advanced spectroscopic methods, we investigate not only the intrinsic nanoscale properties of materials—such as mechanical strength, elasticity, and toughness—but also their interfacial behavior and critical functions at junctions between different materials.

Why It Matters

Understanding nanoscale mechanics materials and their interface behavior is essential for designing stable, long-lasting materials and devices. Knowledge gained here helps ensure that microbattery electrodes don’t degrade prematurely, that micromachines can flex or twist without breaking, and that nanoscale sensors remain accurate over their lifetimes. Simply put, it’s the foundation on which robust nano-enabled technologies are built.

A Closer Look (For the Curious)

Delving into experimental nanomechanics requires mastering a suite of specialized techniques. We probe single grains of material or individual interface regions to understand how tiny defects propagate, how layered structures distribute stress, and how surface treatments can enhance adhesion. We combine mechanical testing under controlled humidity, temperature, and chemical exposure with computational modeling to predict behavior under realistic conditions. The result is a roadmap for how to engineer materials—from the elemental building blocks to entire devices—that maintain their integrity under operational loads, repeated cycles, and environmental stresses.