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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Quantitative Hardness Measurement by Instrumented AFM-indentation
Published on: November 22, 2016
Approaching diamond's theoretical elasticity and strength limits
Anmin Nie1, Yeqiang Bu2, Penghui Li1
1Center for High Pressure Science, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, 066004, Qinhuangdao, China.
Diamond nanoneedles exhibit size- and orientation-dependent elastic properties. The strongest and most elastically deformable diamond nanoneedles are <100>-oriented with 60nm diameters, approaching theoretical limits.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid Mechanics
Background:
- Diamond, the hardest natural material, has limited practical strength and elastic deformability.
- Previous studies showed diamond nanoneedles can withstand large elastic strains and high tensile strengths.
- The influence of size and crystallographic orientation on these properties was not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the size- and orientation-dependence of tensile strain and strength in diamond nanoneedles.
- To determine the optimal conditions for maximizing the elastic properties of diamond nanoneedles.
Main Methods:
- In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to test diamond nanoneedles.
- Nanoneedles with varying diameters and <100>, <110>, <111> orientations were analyzed.
- First principles simulations were employed to support experimental findings.
Main Results:
- Reversible elastic deformation was found to be dependent on both nanoneedle diameter and orientation.
- Diamond nanoneedles oriented in the <100> direction with a 60nm diameter achieved the highest elastic tensile strain (13.4%) and tensile strength (125 GPa).
- These experimental results align with theoretical elasticity and Griffith strength limits for diamond.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates that diamond nanoneedle elastic properties are significantly influenced by size and orientation.
- Optimal performance was observed in <100>-oriented, 60nm diameter nanoneedles.
- Surface conditions are the primary factor governing the maximum achievable elastic strain and strength in diamond nanoneedles.
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