Functional NiTi grids for in situ straining in the TEM

U Schürmann; C Chluba; N Wolff; D Smazna; R Lima de Miranda; P Junker; R Adelung; E Quandt; L Kienle

doi:10.1016/j.ultramic.2017.06.003

Functional NiTi grids for in situ straining in the TEM

Ultramicroscopy. 2017 Nov:182:10-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2017.06.003. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Authors

U Schürmann¹, C Chluba², N Wolff¹, D Smazna³, R Lima de Miranda⁴, P Junker⁵, R Adelung³, E Quandt², L Kienle⁶

Affiliations

¹ Institute for Materials Science, Synthesis and Real Structure, Christian Albrechts University, Kaiserstraße 2, Kiel D-24143, Germany.
² Institute for Materials Science, Inorganic Functional Materials, Christian Albrechts University, Kaiserstraße 2, Kiel D-24143, Germany.
³ Institute for Materials Science, Functional Nanomaterials, Christian Albrechts University, Kaiserstraße 2, Kiel D-24143, Germany.
⁴ Acquandas GmbH, Kaiserstraße 2, Kiel D-24143, Germany.
⁵ Institute of Mechanics, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, Wuppertal D-42119, Germany.
⁶ Institute for Materials Science, Synthesis and Real Structure, Christian Albrechts University, Kaiserstraße 2, Kiel D-24143, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 28628834
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2017.06.003

Abstract

In situ measurements are a pivotal extension of conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By means of the shape memory alloy NiTi thin film Functional Grids were produced for in situ straining as alternative or at least complement of expensive commercial holders. Due to the martensite-austenite transition temperature straining effects can be observed by use of customary heating holders in the range of 50 to 100°C. The grids can be produced in diversified designs to fit for different strain situations. Micro tensile tests were performed and compared with finite element simulations to estimate the applied forces on the sample and to predict the functionality of different grid designs. As a first example of this Functional Grid technology, we demonstrate the impact of applying a strain to a network of ZnO tetrapods.

Keywords: Finite element simulations; In situ straining; Shape memory alloys; Transmission electron microscopy; ZnO.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't