Investigation of internal structure and local elastic properties of human hair with atomic force microscopy

The detailed microstructure of human hair in the transverse and longitudinal directions was studied using of scanning force microscopy (SPM) in the mode of intermittent probe oscillation (known as TappingModeTM). In addition, operating in SPM-based nanoindentation local elastic properties (Young modulus, Eloc) were determined in various zones of the hair. For quantitative analysis of Eloc precise calibration of the SPM system and assessment of the tip apex geometry were carried out. To calculate the numbers of Eloc the adapted Sneddon contact mechanical model was used.