Theoretical Strength and Cleavage of Diamond
Abstract
The theoretical strength of diamond has been calculated for the <100>, <110>, and <111> directions using a first principles approach and is found to be strongly dependent on crystallographic direction. This elastic anisotropy, found at large strains, and particularly the pronounced minimum in cohesion in the <111> direction, is believed to be the reason for the remarkable dominance of the \{111\} cleavage plane when diamond is fractured. The extra energy required to cleave a crystal on planes other than \{111\} is discussed with reference to simple surface energy calculations and also the introduction of bond-bending terms.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- May 2000
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2000PhRvL..84.5160T