Fracturing graphene

Nanoscale materials can be extremely strong compared to their bulk forms, but this strength can be accompanied by significant sample-to-sample fluctuations. CC&B researchers lead by Stefano Zapperi combine simulations and analytical theory to describe the size-dependent distribution of fracture strength in defective graphene flakes, highlighting their differences from systems of macroscopic extent. This understanding may be important for controlling thermally activated failure in nano- and micromechanical systems.

Alessandro Luigi Sellerio, Alessandro Taloni, and Stefano Zapperi
Fracture Size Effects in Nanoscale Materials: The Case of Graphene
Phys. Rev. Applied 4, 024011 (2015) – Published 19 August 2015