Boron
nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are promising for mechanical applications
owing to the high modulus, high strength, and inert chemical nature.
However, up to now, precise evaluation of their elastic properties
and their relation to defects have not been experimentally established.
Herein, the intrinsic elastic modulus of BNNTs and its dependence
on intrinsic and deliberately irradiation-induced extrinsic defects
have been studied via an electric-field-induced high-order resonance
technique inside a high-resolution transmission electron microscope
(HRTEM). Resonances up to fourth order for normal modes and third
order for parametric modes have been initiated in the cantilevered
tubes, and the recorded frequencies are well consistent with the theoretical
calculations with a discrepancy of ∼1%. The elastic moduli
of the BNNTs measured from high-order resonance is about 906.2 GPa
on average, with a standard deviation of 9.3%, which is found to be
closely related to the intrinsic defect as cavities in the nanotube
walls. Furthermore, electron irradiation in HRTEM has been used to
study the effects of defects to elastic moduli and to evaluate the
radiation resistance of the BNNTs. Along with an increase in the irradiation
dose, the outer diameter has linearly reduced due to the knock-on
effects. A defective shell with nearly constant thickness has been
formed on the outer surface, and as a result, the elastic modulus
decreases gradually to ∼662.9 GPa, which is still 3 times that
of steel. Excellent intrinsic elastic properties and decent radiation-resistance
prove that BNNTs could be a material of choice for applications in
extreme environments, such as those existing in space.