In situ bending of layered compounds: The role of anisotropy in Ti2AlC microcantilevers

The paper concentrates on in situ bending tests and analysis of the failure of materials exhibiting strong anisotropy. As a typical example, Ti2AlC microcantilevers (MCs) were scrutinized. The anisotropic flexural strength of Ti2AlC MCs was measured, and the strength of the strong orientation was found to be two and half times as high as that of the weak orientation. The transition of fracture strength and mechanisms could be evaluated. Our findings have generic implications for future study on the fracture behavior of layered materials.