Microstructure-hardened silver nanowires.

To exploit the novel size-dependent mechanical properties of nanowires, it is necessary for one to develop strategies to control the strength and toughness of these materials. Here, we report on the mechanical properties of silver nanowires with a unique fivefold twin structure using a lateral force atomic force microscopy (AFM) method in which wires are held in a double-clamped beam configuration. Force-displacement curves exhibit super elastic behavior followed by unexpected brittle failure without significant plastic deformation. Thermal annealing resulted in a gradual transition to weaker, more ductile materials associated with the elimination of the twinned boundary structure. These results point to the critical roles of microstructure and confinement in engineering the mechanical properties of nanoscale materials.