title: Shape restoration effect in Ag-SiO2 core-shell nanowires.
abstract: The combination of two different materials in a single composite core-shell heterostructure can lead to improved or even completely novel properties. In this work we demonstrate the enhancement of the mechanical properties of silver (Ag) nanowires (NW) achieved by coating them with a silica (SiO2) shell. In situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) nanomechanical tests of Ag-SiO2 core-shell nanowires reveal an improved fracture resistance and an electron-beam induced shape restoration effect. In addition, control experiments are conducted separately on uncoated Ag NWs and on empty SiO2 shells in order to gain deeper insight into the peculiar properties of Ag-SiO2. Test conditions are simulated using finite-element methods; possible mechanisms responsible for the shape restoration and the enhanced fracture resistance are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia , Kengaraga 8, LV-1063, Riga, Latvia.
authors.forename: Sergei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vlassov
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Polyakov
authors.forename: Leonid M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Dorogin
authors.forename: Mikk
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vahtrus
authors.forename: Magnus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mets
authors.forename: Mikk
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Antsov
authors.forename: Rando
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Saar
authors.forename: Alexey E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Romanov
authors.forename: Ants
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lõhmus
authors.forename: Rünno
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lõhmus
keywords: Core−shell nanowires; electron beam; mechanical properties; scanning electron microscopy; shape restoration