The behavior of materials at the nanoscale is a matter of great importance due to their use in applications as diverse as particles for reinforcement of polymer composites to low k dielectric applications in micro/nano electronics. It has been widely postulated that the surface properties often dominate nanometer size materials and their interactions. In the present work, we will build upon novel nanosphere embedment experiments and develop novel nanorod embedment methods to determine the surface mechanical properties of a series of polymeric materials. The work develops atomic force microscopy methods to obtain materials data for polymers from the glassy to the rubbery states. In addition, both computational and analytical work will be used so that the time dependent modulus and Poisson's ratio can be obtained. Finally, in the proposed work, students from Texas Tech Univesity and Oklahoma State University will work in collaboration with their opposites at the relevant institutions.
