Stress dependence of indentation modulus for carbon fiber in polymer composite

Elastic modulus measured through atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based indentation on single carbon fiber (CF) is found with dependence on lateral applied stress. An in situ indentation experiment inside a high-resolution transmission electron microscope was performed to quantitatively understand this phenomenon by observing microstructure change in the indented area. Change of graphitic basal plane misalignment angle during indentation was linked to a continuous change of modulus with the help of finite element simulation. The established relationship between modulus and indentation force was further used to calculate residual stress distribution in CF imbedded in a CF reinforced polymer composite using the AFM indentation technique. The stress-induced formation of nanoscale defects in the CF and their transformation into fracture were directly characterized.