title: Catalyst-free synthesis, structural, and mechanical characterization of twinned Mg2B2O5 nanowires.
abstract: Mg2B2O5 nanowires with (010) twins were synthesized for the first time using a catalyst-free method. The microstructure of the Mg2B2O5 nanowires has been extensively studied by cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Nanoindentation tests were performed directly on individual nanowires to probe their mechanical properties. It was found that the twinned Mg2B2O5 nanowires achieve comparable hardness but 19% decrease in elastic modulus compared to their bulk counterpart. The elastic softening mechanisms of the Mg2B2O5 nanowires are discussed with reference to their twin defects, size, and surface effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, USA.
authors.forename: Xinyong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.forename: Xiaodong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D001881:Borates / Q000737:chemistry*; D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004548:Elasticity; D006244:Hardness; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D017616:Magnesium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001881:Borates; D001896:Boron Compounds; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D017616:Magnesium Compounds; C034034:magnesium borate; C042168:boron oxide