title: Novel phase transformation in ZnO nanowires under tensile loading.
abstract: We predict a previously unknown phase transformation from wurtzite to a graphitelike (P6(3)/mmc) hexagonal structure in [0110]-oriented ZnO nanowires under uniaxial tensile loading. Molecular dynamics simulations and first principles calculations show that this structure corresponds to a distinct minimum on the enthalpy surfaces of ZnO for such loading conditions. This transformation is reversible with a low level of hysteretic dissipation of 0.16 J/m3 and, along with elastic stretching, endows the nanowires with the ability to recover pseudoelastic strains up to 15%.
authors.affiliation: The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0405, USA.
authors.forename: Ambarish J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kulkarni
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Kanoknan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sarasamak
authors.forename: Sukit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Limpijumnong