Dynamic mechanical response and structural characterization of branched nanocarbon

Abstract Branched nanocarbon (BNC) is introduced as a novel impact-absorbing material synthesized via Rapid Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition (RT-CVD), enabling controlled growth of three-dimensional branched networks with tailored morphology. Dynamic mechanical testing with the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) demonstrates that BNC dissipates ∼68% of incident shock energy, outperforming conventional nanocarbon architectures. The stress–strain response reveals a three-stage deformation mechanism: (i) elastic resistance, (ii) hierarchical structural collapse through branch buckling and interfacial sliding, and (iii) final densification without catastrophic failure. Post-impact analyses confirm defect generation and surface functionalization, which enhance distributed energy dissipation. The combination of RT-CVD-enabled nanoscale design and multiscale deformability establishes BNC as a robust, lightweight, and shock-tolerant material. These findings highlight the potential of BNC for aerospace damping systems, defense protection, and advanced energy absorption applications, where efficient shock mitigation is critical.