Interlayer shear strength of single crystalline graphite

Reported values (0.2 MPa ~ 7.0 GPa) of the interlayer shear strength (ISS) of graphite are very dispersed. The main challenge to obtain a reliable value of ISS is the lack of precise experimental methods. Here we present a novel experimental approach to measure the ISS, and obtain the value as 0.14 GPa. Our result can serve as an important basis for understanding mechanical behavior of graphite or graphene-based materials.