Investigation of the radial deformability of individual carbon nanotubes under controlled indentation force
Tapping-mode atomic force microscopy was used to study the radial deformability of a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). By imaging the MWCNT under different tapping forces, we were able to demonstrate its remarkable reversible radial deformability (up to approximately 40%) and reveal internal discontinuities along its length. The values of the effective elastic modulus of several sections of the MWCNT in the radial direction were estimated with the Hertz model.
Yu
MF
Department of Physics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.
Kowalewski
T
Ruoff
RS