Strength and Mechanical Response of NaCl Using In-Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Compression and Nanoindentation.

Strength and mechanical properties of single crystal sodium chloride (NaCl) are characterized. Critical deformation variations of NaCl pillared structures and films are estimated using in-situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) compression tests and nanoindentation experiments. Young's modulus and contact stiffness of NaCl pillars with diameters of 300 to 500 nm were 10.4-23.9 GPa, and 159-230 N/m, respectively. The nanohardness and Vickers hardness of the NaCl (001) film were 282-596 and 196-260 MPa, respectively. The results could provide useful information for understanding the mechanical properties, contact and local deformation of NaCl pillars and films.