Figure 3. Non-monotonic advancement in atom cohesion and fracture toughness during GIC solidification.

(a) Overall GIC NCS peak width Δp^av variations with setting time, measuring different stages in atomic cohesion during setting: CP, ISP and ISZ (see text for details). (b) Inverse relationship between atomic cohesion Δp^av and fracture toughness K_C^av of GIC, polymer and glass (asterisks) and associated materials (see text for details). (c) Non-monotonic fall in overall K_C^av with setting time at 300 K obtained from overall Δp^av a using b, identifying CP and reaction points ISP and ISZ. (d) K_C^av(280 K), K_C^av(300 K) and K_C^av(320 K), showing shifts in ISP and ISZ with setting temperature. (e) Fluctuations in K_Cⁱ for H and F, showing evidence for hydration and fluorination. (f) K_Cⁱ for O and Al through the various setting stages. Elemental fracture toughness K_Cⁱ were derived from Δp_i values (Supplementary Fig. 3a), with K_C^av (280, 300 and 320 K) obtained from Δp^av (280, 300 and 320 K) values (Supplementary Fig. 3b), in each case using b.