Two-dimensional nanomaterial expands counter-intuitively under tension

Expanding material under tension usually results in a decrease in width, similar to inflating a balloon. However, a groundbreaking development by PhD student Noah Stocek and physicist Giovanni Fanchini at Western University exhibits a rare counter-example.

At Interface Science Western's Tandetron Accelerator Facility, Stocek and Fanchini engineered two-dimensional tungsten semi-carbide nanosheets (W2C) that uniquely expand perpendicular to the direction of applied force, a property characteristic of auxetic materials.

Unlike traditional flat structures, these nanosheets are designed with a dimpled, egg carton-like surface. When stretched, the structure causes an outward expansion as the dimples flatten. This phenomenon has been previously recorded in only one other material which expanded by 10 per cent per unit length. The W2C nanosheet developed at Western expands by an unprecedented 40 percent.

"In 2018, theorists anticipated this auxetic behavior in tungsten semi-carbide, but practical development had eluded researchers worldwide," said Stocek.

The creation of these nanosheets wasn't feasible through chemical processes typically employed for two-dimensional materials. Stocek and Fanchini instead utilized plasma physics to assemble the layers, leveraging the fourth state of matter used in technologies ranging from neon lights to flat-screen TVs.

Traditional methods using high-temperature gas reactions in furnaces were ineffective, prompting the researchers to innovate a new method involving electrically charged plasma particles.

Applications for these W2C nanosheets are extensive, starting with a novel strain gauge capable of monitoring structural changes in real-time through conductivity changes.

"This two-dimensional nanomaterial could revolutionize strain gauges, allowing for enhanced monitoring of structures like airplane wings or household pipes," explained Stocek. "Unlike typical gauges, which become less conductive when stretched, our material increases in conductivity, offering new potential in sensors and stretchable electronics."

Research Report:Giant Auxetic Behavior in Remote-plasma Synthesized Few-Layer Tungsten Semicarbide

Related Links

University of Western Ontario

Space Technology News - Applications and Research

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2023 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.