A method to evaluate the tensile strength and stress-strain relationship of carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, and C-chains

A method is introduced to assess the tensile strength of carbon nano-fibers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and linear chains of carbon atoms (C-chains) obtained from thin amorphous carbon films by electron irradiation. Transmission electron microscopy images show that the nanofibers undergo a radiation-induced necking process, characterized by CNT formation and often followed by the formation of a C-chain. Simulations of the necking process are carried out to determine the tensile stress supported by the nanofiber and CNT neck.