The In-situ Mechanical Testing of Nanoscale Single-crystalline Nanopillars

Common materials like metals appear to have unique and interesting properties when reduced to nanoscale. One example is that they become signifi cantly stronger, exhibiting strengths an order of magnitude higher than bulk. Understanding material strength at the appropriate scale is crucial in the design and reliable functioning of devices comprised of these materials. This article reviews recent studies on the mechanical properties of cylindrical metallic nanopillars subjected to uniaxial deformation. Remarkable strengths and very different mechanical properties arise due to the activation of unique deformation mechanisms operating in these nanoscale volumes. Effects of both size and microstructure are discussed.