Toughening two-dimensional hybrid materials by integrating carbon nanotubes

Graphene (Gr) has ultra-high intrinsic strength and elastic modulus, but it is fragile and has low fracture toughness. It is extremely difficult to evaluate the mechanical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials because of brittleness. Contrary to expectation, a high fracture toughness of 2D hybrid materials with effective crack deflection is therefore established here by regularly integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Our combined finite element theory and molecular dynamics simulations confirm that embedded CNTs divert and bridge the propagating crack and provide a different toughening effect for the different region of 2D hybrid material. "Toughening zone effect" explain the asymmetric edge elastic properties at the crack tip and edge swapping during crack propagation. The preparation of 2D hybrid materials with CNTs opens up a new idea for other 2D materials, and can be mechanically customized according to the application requirements of its flexible equipment.