TEM observations of buckling and fracture modes for compressed thick multiwall carbon nanotubes

The buckling and fracture modes of thick (diameter >20 nm) multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) under compressive stress were examined using in situ transmission electron microscopy. The overall dynamic deformation processes of the MWCNTs as well as the force/distance curves can be obtained. The buckling behavior of MWCNTs under compression falls into two categories, the first is non-axial buckling and subsequently complex Yoshimura patterns can be induced on the compressive side of the MWCNTs. The second is axial buckling followed by catastrophic failure. We find the buckling mode of thick MWCNTs is highly dependent on the diameter and length of the MWCNTs. A continuum mechanics model is employed to determine the buckling mode criterion for the MWCNTs. Moreover, the shell by shell fracture mode and planar fracture mode of MWCNTs are directly observed in our experiments.

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► Buckling and fracture of compressed MWCNTs are directly observed by in situ TEM.
► Yoshimura Pattern of buckled MWCNT is directly observed.
► Non-axial buckling and axial buckling modes are determined by the aspect ratio of the MWCNTs.
► Catastrophic failure and layer-by-layer failure are both demonstrated experimentally.