Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) materials are unique nanomaterials that have a sheet-like structure with a high surface area and nanoscale thickness. These prominent materials are characterized by their outstanding electrical, chemical, optical, and mechanical properties. Accordingly, they represent typical solutions to revolutionize various technologies. Transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitride (MXenes) are a novel family of 2D materials that hold significant potential for future applications. Processing MXenes into freestanding thin films or 3D structures is desirable to convey their intrinsic properties on a macroscopic scale. Such structures feature densely packed, hierarchically organized assemblies of pristine nanosheets. This study focuses on exploring the different properties of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene thin films, including their mechanical properties and fracture toughness. The fracture behavior of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene strips without cracks and in the presence of sided cracks, at varying strain rates, was investigated. Additionally, their electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities were evaluated. The results reveal that sided cracks deteriorate the mechanical integrity of the Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene films. Furthermore, these films exhibit dependency on the applied strain rate. Thus, the fracture toughness (K IC ) dropped from 1.77±0.008 MPa.m 0.5 to 1.37±0.15 MPa.m 0.5 for films loaded at strain rates of 0.1 and 0.001 min −1 , respectively. The higher the strain rate, the higher the tensile strength and fracture toughness. Additionally, the Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene films achieved an electrical conductivity of 2300 S.cm −1 and a total electromagnetic interference effectiveness of 44±2.7 dB with a considerable level of absorption.
Kamal et al. (Tue,) studied this question.