Why Is the Mechanical Behavior of Nanomaterials Unique?
The mechanical properties of materials can change dramatically at the nanoscale. For instance, nanowires and nanotubes often exhibit higher strength and flexibility compared to their bulk counterparts. This is partly due to the absence of defects that are typically present in larger materials. Additionally, the high surface area to volume ratio can lead to unique phenomena such as superplasticity, where materials can undergo extensive deformation without breaking. These properties are particularly useful in the development of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS).
