Structure of twisted BNC nanotubes with polygonal cross-section
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

DNA Nanotubes as a Versatile Tool to Study Semiflexible Polymers
Published on: October 25, 2017
Vladimir Blank1, Leonid Ivanov, Boris Kulnitskiy
1Technological Institute for Superhard and Novel Carbon Materials (TISNCM), Troitsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation.
Abstract:
BNC nanotubes and nanofibers have been synthesized in the high isostatic pressure apparatus in Ar at 1923 K and 1.5 MPa in the presence of yttrium aluminium garnet. Some of the nanotubes obtained were filled with Al(2)O(3). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies have shown that the nanotubes and nanofibers have a polygonal cross-section (prismatic shape), and most often they are twisted, which is due to the transversal instability of the nanotubes originating under the growth conditions, including temperature treatment. Twisting also revealed itself in the appearance of the moiré fringes during the TEM observation of some of the nanotubes and nanofibers. Analysis of these fringes has shown that the facets of these nanotubes represent the slightly misoriented hexagonal BN and/or C plates. An Al(2)O(3) filling of the nanotube makes it harder to twist when subjected to torque, which conforms to the tube deformation theory.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Torsion of Noncircular Members
Unsymmetric Bending - Angle of Neutral Axis
When a bending moment is applied at an angle θ concerning the vertical axis of a symmetrical member, it can be resolved into components along the member's principal centroidal axes. The...
Coordination Number and Geometry
Angle of Twist: Problem Solving
Unsymmetric Bending
Newman Projections
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as conformers.

