Atomistic simulations on the mechanical properties of a silicon nanofilm covered with graphene

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the mechanical properties of a silicon nanofilm covered with graphene. Our results show that graphene can enhance the mechanical properties of a silicon nanofilm. The Young's modulus of the silicon structure covered with graphene decreases as the thickness of the silicon nanofilm increases. We also investigate the fracture process of the silicon structure covered with graphene. The results in this paper suggest that silicon structures covered with graphene open up opportunities for design of micro and nanoelectromechanical systems. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.