Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit different mechanical properties from their bulk counterparts owing to their monolayer atomic thickness. Here, we have examined the mechanical behavior of 2D molybdenum tungsten diselenide (MoWSe) precipitation alloy grown using chemical vapor deposition and composed of numerous nanoscopic MoSe and WSe regions. Applying a bending strain blue-shifted the MoSe and WSe A Raman modes with the stress concentrated near the precipitate interfaces predominantly affecting the WSe modes. In situ local Raman measurements suggested that the crack propagated primarily thorough MoSe-rich regions in the monolayer alloy. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to study crack propagation in an MoSe monolayer containing nanoscopic WSe regions akin to the experiment. Raman spectra calculated from MD trajectories of crack propagation confirmed the emergence of intermediate peaks in the strained monolayer alloy, mirroring experimental results. The simulations revealed that the stress buildup around the crack tip caused an irreversible structural transformation from the 2H to 1T phase both in the MoSe matrix and WSe patches. This was corroborated by high-angle annular dark-field images. Crack branching and subsequent healing of a crack branch were also observed in WSe, indicating the increased toughness and crack propagation resistance of the alloyed 2D MoWSe over the unalloyed counterparts.

The most recent and innovative silicon carbide (SiC) fiber ceramic matrix composites, used for lightweight high-heat engine parts in aerospace applications, are woven, layered, and then surrounded by a SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC). To further improve both the mechanical properties and thermal and oxidative resistance abilities of this material, SiC nanotubes and nanowires (SiCNT/NWs) are grown on the surface of the SiC fiber via carbon nanotube conversion. This conversion utilizes the shape memory synthesis (SMS) method, starting with carbon nanotube (CNT) growth on the SiC fiber surface, to capitalize on the ease of dense surface morphology optimization and the ability to effectively engineer the CNT-SiC fiber interface to create a secure nanotube-fiber attachment. Then, by converting the CNTs to SiCNT/NWs, the relative morphology, advantageous mechanical properties, and secure connection of the initial CNT-SiC fiber architecture are retained, with the addition of high temperature and oxidation resistance. The resultant SiCNT/NW-SiC fiber can be used inside the SiC ceramic matrix composite for a high-heat turbo engine part with longer fatigue life and higher temperature resistance. The differing sides of the woven SiCNT/NWs act as the "hook and loop" mechanism of Velcro but in much smaller scale.

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In the current study, the effect of flyash (FA) on the physic-mechanical, electrical, thermal and morphological behavior of nylon-66 (PA) was investigated. PA/FA composites were prepared by melt mixing via twin screw extruder, with varying weight percent (5 wt %, 10 wt %, 15 wt % and 20 wt %) of flyash. The results of composites were optimized and compared with virgin nylon-66. Mechanical and electrical properties of composites improved up to 10 wt% of FA loading without compromising the properties. The flyash filled nylon-66 composites showed a low abrasive wear rate. Increase the heat distortion temperature of composites with an increase in weight percent of flyash while opposing the melt flow rate. Flyash filler enhances the stiffness of plastics but significantly reduces the impact properties. Dispersion of flyash was examined by impact fracture surface of composites using a scanning electron microscope.

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