h-BN Branched Cracks (IMAGE)

Rice University

h-BN Branched Cracks

Caption

A scanning electron microscope image shows branched cracks in a single crystal of 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Experiments and computational modelling by Rice University and Nanyang Technological University showed h-BN lattice asymmetry allows cracks to follow branching paths, which effectively toughens the 2D material by making it more difficult for cracks to propagate.

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Image courtesy of J. Lou/Rice University

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Must credit: "J. Lou/Rice University"

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