Testing Device Generates Great Interest in Nanofiber Industry

The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign has developed a novel testing device for understanding the tensile properties of single nanofibers. In addition to the ability to test a single nanofiber, the technology allows for testing at virtually any loading rate and temperature.

The nanofiber testing device can be used in many applications including polymer nanofiber testing, nanocomposite materials testing, synthetic collagen fibrils testing, and small fiber testing of any type. Several major polymer and nanofiber manufacturing companies have requested information about the device.

“Nanotechnology is our future,” states an executive at a leading testing equipment manufacturing company, “the ability to understand new materials will open up many doors for new applications”. Researchers now have tools designed specifically for the study of nanofiber properties to help the growing nanofiber industry continue to expand.

The University of Illinois seeks for private sector partners to help commercialize and supply the new testing device.