Nanomechanical properties of soft particles

There is a significant interest in the development of novel nanomaterials that keep pace with emerging technologies. In this context, soft particles represent an excellent alternative to the conventional inorganic nanomaterials owing to their softness and versatility, rendering them highly useful in various applications. The knowledge of their nanomechanical properties plays a key role in understanding particle behavior under different environments. Advanced measurement techniques have been deployed to accurately quantify mechanical properties of the nanoscopic objects, and AFM stands out as the primary choice. The mechanical behavior of soft particles are determined by numerous parameters such as sample preparation, polymer density, the cononsolvency effect, pH, charge density, temperature, and the integration of nanoparticles. In this chapter, we will introduce the techniques used to investigate the mechanical properties of soft particles and discuss how these parameters play a crucial role in tailoring the nanomechanical performance of soft particles. Additionally, we will present case studies to demonstrate how soft particles are utilized in developing innovative materials across various research fields.