Layer-Dependent Mechanical Properties and Enhanced Plasticity in the Van der Waals Chromium Trihalide Magnets

The mechanical properties of magnetic materials are instrumental for the development magnetoelastic theories and optimization strain-modulated devices. In particular, two-dimensional (2D) magnets hold promise to enlarge these concepts into realm low-dimensional physics ultrathin However, no experimental study on intrinsic archetypal 2D magnet family chromium trihalides has thus far been performed. Here, we report room temperature layer-dependent atomically thin CrCl3 CrI3, finding that bilayers have Young’s moduli 62.1 43.4 GPa, highest sustained strains 6.49% 6.09% breaking strengths 3.6 2.2 respectively. This portrays outstanding plasticity is qualitatively demonstrated in bulk crystals. current will contribute applications magnetostrictive flexible