Thomas Leiner

Transition metal diborides crystallise in the $α$, $γ$, or $ω$ type structure, in which pure transition metal layers alternate with pure boron layers stacked along the hexagonal [0001] axis. Here we view the prototypes as different stackings of the transition metal planes and suppose they can transform from one into another by a displacive transformation. Employing first-principles calculations, we simulate sliding of individual planes in the group IV-VII transition metal diborides along a transformation pathway connecting the $α$, $γ$, and $ω$ structure. Chemistry-related trends are predicted in terms of energetic and structural changes along a transformation pathway, together with the mechanical and dynamical stability of the different stackings. Our results suggest that MnB$_2$ and MoB$_2$ possess the overall lowest sliding barriers among the investigated TMB$_2$s. Furthermore, we discuss trends in strength and ductility indicators, including Young's modulus or Cauchy pressure, derived from elastic constants.