Shear and Young's Moduli of MoS₂ Nanotube Ropes

Abstract

The interaction between individual nanotubes in MoS 2 bundles is investigated here using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Upon elastically deforming the ropes with the AFM, the value of the bending modulus of the MoS 2 tube ensemble could be evaluated. This is turn could be used to obtain a lower estimate of the shear and Young's moduli of the nanotubes. The results indicate that the MoS 2 ropes are highly anisotropic and that the interaction between the individual tubes comprising the rope is very weak.