Subjecting a graphene monolayer to tension and compression

TL;DR

This study investigates the mechanical response of graphene monolayers under tension and compression using Raman spectroscopy, revealing high strain retention and buckling behavior influenced by support conditions.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the stress transfer and buckling behavior of supported graphene monolayers under different loading conditions.

Findings

Embedded graphene sustains up to 1.3% strain in tension

Buckling occurs at about 0.7% strain in compression

Embedded monolayer exhibits high flexural rigidity

Abstract

The mechanical behaviour of graphene flakes under both tension and compression is examined using a cantilever-beam arrangement. Two different sets of samples were employed involving flakes just supported on a plastic bar but also embedded within the plastic substrate. By monitoring the shift of the 2D Raman line with strain, information on the stress transfer efficiency as a function of stress sign and monolayer support were obtained. In tension, the embedded flake seems to sustain strains up to 1.3%, whereas in compression there is an indication of flake buckling at about 0.7% strain. The retainment of such a high critical buckling strain confirms the relative high flexural rigidity of the embedded monolayer.