At present the mechanical behavior of shale organic matter at nanometer scale is neither clear nor able to be accurately obtained by conventional experimental instruments. It is of great practical significance to characterize the mechanical properties at nanometer scale for building a micro-macro rock mechanics model and realizing high efficiency hydraulic fracturing. Based on the recent advances in characterization of nanoscale mechanical properties of organic matter in shale at home and abroad, commonly used characterization techniques, main characteristics and main controlling factors of mechanical properties are reviewed and summarized in this paper. It is shown that nano-indentation and atomic force microscope are the commonly used techniques and methods to characterize nano mechanical properties at present, both of which have their own advantages or defects in precision, resolution, equipment technology and so on. At present, determination of nanomechanical properties of organic matter mainly focuses on elastic modulus and hardness. Maturity and temperature change the internal structure of organic matter to varying degrees, thus changing its mechanical properties. In the end, the paper puts forward some ideas and suggestions for the exploration and development of shale gas in China.

shale  /  organic matter  /  nanoscale mechanical properties  /  main controlling factors