How Do Screw Dislocations Affect Mechanical Properties?
Screw dislocations enable materials to deform plastically. In the context of nanotechnology, the presence of screw dislocations can either strengthen or weaken a material. For example, in nanowires or nanofilms, the movement of screw dislocations can be restricted due to the small dimensions, leading to increased strength, a phenomenon known as the "size effect."