Gradient array of freely suspended nanomembranes

Freely s-ispended laver-by-layer nanomembranes have been transferred onto an array of circular openings of varying diameters (a gradient array). The mechanical behavior of these nanomembrane gradient arrays have been studied using both bulging tests and point-load experiments. By using the gradient array, experimental statistics are significantly improved. The observed scale-dependent mechanical properties, investigated in an efficient fashion, are evident in the trend of increasing elastic modulus with decreasing membrane diameter. The observed increase in bending rigidity with decreasing membrane diameter is satisfactorily described by the theoretical model of an elastic membrane under a point load.