Abstract

Particles with a nanoscale cubic structure, termed nano-cubes, in addition to nanoscale ball-shaped structures (nano-balls) were produced by electric arc discharge with a carbon electrode containing silicon, oxygen, sodium, and fluorine. The nano-cubes have a crystalline structure similar to the nano-balls. Two types of nano-cubes were produced by the electric arc discharge, the first composed only of silicon, and the second containing silicon, oxygen, carbon, sodium and fluorine. The nano-cubes were subjected to compression strength tests by the application of a load to the nano-cubes inserted between two polished sample stages with nano-level surface roughness. The nano-cubes containing silicon, oxygen, carbon, sodium and fluorine collapsed on the aluminum alloy sample stage. On the other hand, the silicon nanocubes were buried in the titanium alloy sample stage.

Keywords: Nano-cube, Nano-ball, Electric arc discharge, Compression strength.