Nanomechanical characterization of microwave hydrothermally synthesized titania nanowires

The modulus of elasticity of microwave hydrothermally synthesized titania (TiO2) nanowire is experimentally measured in this investigation. TiO2 nanowires are synthesized by treating TiO2 nanopowder with NaOH inside a microwave oven at 210 degrees C and 350 W for 5 h. The moduli of elasticity of as-synthesized TiO2 nanowires are determined with compression and bend tests using a custom-made nanomanipulator inside a scanning electron microscope. The moduli of elasticity of the nanowires are measured to be approximately 11.77 +/- 1.17 GPa with the compression test. Buckling instability of a nanowire due to the application of axial load is observed during the compression test. In the bend test, the modulus of elasticity is determined from the deflection of the free end of the nanowire due to the application of transverse load. With this technique, the modulus of elasticity of a TiO2 nanowire is determined to be approximately 10.41 +/- 0.55 GPa. Two independent methods are used to confirm the reliability of the measured results.