Elastic flexibility tuning via interaction factor modulation in molecular crystals

Abstract

We report the design of a series of nonhalogenated and halogenated molecular crystals with specific structural features, which are essential for pronounced elasticity. These features involve (a) isotropic weak and dispersive interactions, and (b) corrugated molecular packing with interlocked structures. The effects of intermolecular interactions on the elastic properties of the crystals are ascertained using nano-scale mechanical characterization methods.