NEW: Viscoelastic AFM Measurements matching Bulk DMA (AFM-nDMA)

Stephen Badger AFM

AFM-nDMA is a new AFM mode for viscoelastic measurements tied directly to bulk DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) – for the first time!

Blue Scientific is the official distributor for Bruker Nano Surface Analysis in the Nordic region (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland). If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Bruker AFM

 Contact us on +44 (0)1223 422 269 or info@blue-scientific.com


  

Viscoelastic AFM Measurements Matching Bulk DMA

A World First

AFM-nDMA is a new AFM mode for Bruker Dimension atomic force microscopes.

For the first time, you can now perform nanoscale viscoelastic measurements that match bulk dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). This works over the entire frequency range that’s typical in bulk rheological measurements.

AFM-nDMA storage modulus map

AFM-nDMA storage modulus map of quaternary blend. Quantitative data at rheological frequencies for every pixel.

What Can You Study?

You can now find the answers to questions like:

  • How do nanoscale phases differ from bulk?
  • What are viscoelastic properties near the interface or in an interphase?
  • How does this affect load transfer, as a function of temperature?

Previously these areas have been difficult to research, because of the challenges in making nanoscale viscoelastic measurements. AFM has traditionally been disadvantaged by non-linearities, irrelevant frequencies, unaccounted effects of adhesion and the need to recalibrate results. Now, AFM-nDMA overcomes these problems, with data that directly matches results from bulk DMA and indenter-based nano-DMA.

We can now quantify local viscoelasticity at relevant frequencies and length scales that relate nanoscale properties to bulk performance. This addresses a significant unmet need for industrial polymer characterisation.
Greg Meyers, PhD, Dow Chemical Core R&D Fellow
Viscoelastic Properties With AFM

Thermoplastic PC-ABS: AFM-nDMA reveals and quantifies significant changes in local viscoelastic properties at various temperatures.

Quantitative Nanoscale Measurements

The new mode uses unique algorithms developed at Bruker:

  • Works directly at rheological frequencies
  • Preload and adhesion are quantified
  • Comes with absolute calibration

This generates complete master curves of:

  • Storage modulus
  • Loss modulus
  • Loss tangent
  • Activation energy analysis

Nanoscale Polymer Rheology

This gives you the ability to study polymer rheology at the nanoscale – which expands the applications of AFM into new areas.

  • Frequencies from 0.1 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Temperatures up to 250°C
  • Sample moduli in the sub-MPa to GPa range
Bruker’s AFM-nDMA is the first commercial solution for quantifying viscoelasticity at the spatial scales of AFM. Having pioneered nanoscale rheological measurements, I am very excited to see this important capability become widely available.
Dr. Ken Nakajima, Professor of Polymer Physics at Tokyo Institute of Technology

Instrumentation

The new mode uses proprietary algorithms, modular hardware and pre-calibrated probes. It works with Bruker Dimension AFMs:

Bruker Dimension XR AFM

Bruker Dimension Icon AFM

Bruker Dimension FastScan AFM

NEW Dimension XR

Extreme Research series for nanomechanics, nanoelectrical and nanoelectrochemical characterisation.

More info…

Dimension Icon

Flexible AFM with the widest range of modes, also suitable for large samples.

More info…

Dimension FastScan

The world’s fastest AFM: immediate, high resolution images.

More info…

AFM-nDMA reflects our long-standing commitment to provide quantitative and easy-to-use nanomechanical characterisation. From the invention of TappingMode to PeakForce Tapping and now AFM-nDMA, we have consistently led this charge, and we are very eager to see the use of atomic force microscopy growing with quantitative viscoelastic characterisation.
David V. Rossi, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Bruker AFM

Further Information

If you’d like to know more about the new mode and what it can do, please get in touch. Blue Scientific is the official Nordic distributor for Bruker AFM in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland, and we’re available to help with all your questions:

 Contact us on +44 (0)1223 422 269 or info@blue-scientific.com

Bruker Nano Surface Analysis