Use of Nanoindentation, Finite Element Simulations, and a Combined Experimental/Numerical Approach to Characterize Elastic Moduli of Individual Porous Silica Particles

Abstract

This article describes the use of a combination of experimental nanoindentation and finite element numerical simulations to indirectly determine the elastic modulus of individual porous, micron-sized silica (SiO2) particles. Two independent nanoindentation experiments on individual silica particles were employed, one with a Berkovich pyramidal nanoindenter tip, the other with a flat punch nanoindenter tip. In both cases, 3D finite element simulations were used to generate nanoindenter load–displacement curves for comparison with the corresponding experimental data, using the elastic modulus of the particle as a curve-fitting parameter. The resulting indirectly determined modulus values from the two independent experiments were found to be in good agreement, and were considerably lower than the published values for bulk or particulate solid silica. The results are also consistent with previously reported modulus values for nanoindentation of porous thin film SiO2. Based on a review of the literature, the authors believe that this is the first article to report on the use of nanoindentation and numerical simulations in a combined experimental/numerical approach to determine the elastic modulus of individual porous silica particles.