Size dependent mechanical properties of single crystalline nickel nanowires

Using a simple micromechanical device, in situ tensile testing of single crystalline nickel (Ni) nanowires (NWs) with different diameters (100 to 300 nm) and crystalline orientations was performed inside a scanning electron microscope. With the aid of a quantitative nanoindenter and corresponding theoretical analysis, the load applied to the sample and the sample displacement were ascertained from nanoindenter load versus displacement curves so as to obtain engineering stress-strain curves. Limited plasticity and brittle-like fracture modes were evident in the Ni NWs investigated, and the breaking strength values were found to be much higher than that of the bulk material. More important, the critical resolved shear stress was found to increase as the NW diameter decreased, showing strong size dependence. The quantitative experimental results from this work could offer important insights into the origin of the size dependent mechanical behaviors of metals at the nano-scale. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.