Thermal Stability of Diamond-Like Carbon Nanothreads

The thermally activated fracture processes in the carbon backbone of diamond-like carbon nanothreads and the hydrogen desorption from them has been studied by the molecular dynamics method. Specifically, the temperature dependence of the characteristic desorption time at T = 1700-2800 K has been determined. The activation energy and frequency factor in the Arrhenius formula for the desorption rate are found. This allows estimating the desorption time at any temperature. The mechanical stiffness of nanothreads is calculated.