Mechanical properties of titania-derived nanoribbons

Abstract

The mechanical properties of TiO2-derived nanoribbons were investigated by using a three-point bending method. Thin nanoribbons (cross-section dimension ∼30 nm) have an average Young's modulus of 260 ± 55 GPa. For thicker nanoribbons, which are composed of several thinner nanostrips, the bending modulus rapidly decreases with increasing cross-section. In analogy with carbon nanotube ropes we argue that shear deformations become important and the shear modulus is G = 0.07–0.4 GPa. The present results together with our previous work suggest that TiO2-derived nanoribbons and nanotubes may undertake a dual function in polymer composites: they could reinforce the polymer matrix while at the same time they could provide a large active surface area.