Mechanical property analysis of nanomaterials

Nanotechnology is a demanding field of research where new inventions and technologies are emerging. Synthesis, characterization, and application are the common routes of study in nanomaterial research. To apply synthesized or derived nanomaterials like nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanodevices, etc., they must first be characterized to gain an in-depth understanding of the properties and factors influencing their behavior. Nanomaterial characterization is a wide, complex field of study because a large number of nanomaterials and characterization techniques are available. An understanding of the morphology, spectra, thermal, and mechanical properties are always required to properly apply materials. Mechanical properties of nanomaterials are crucial in applications like electronic devices, sensors, composites, etc. Nanocomposites find a variety of applications in industry as well as in research, where mechanical strength is an unavoidably necessary property. The present chapter extensively deals with mechanical property analysis of different nanomaterials. The chapter discusses the properties of nanoparticles of inorganic and organic origin, network-structured materials, materials derived from nanoparticles, and materials having nanodimensions.