Origin and Composition of Nanoparticles Induced in a Complex Plastic-Brittle Transition Process of Xiaomei Shear Zone, Hainan Island, China

Micro and nano structures of quartz schist, plagioclase granite, and granitic gneiss in the Xiaomei Shear Zone located in southeastern Hainan Island, China are observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Ultramicroscopic analyses indicate that three types of nanoparticles were found in the samples, including spherical nanoparticles, agglomerated nanoparticles and nanofibers. These nanoparticles are mainly developed in the fracture zones. The more fractures there are, the more nanoparticles are developed. Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to ascertain the composition of the nanoparticles. The results suggest that the nanoparticles are mainly composed of silicate, dolomite and calcite, rich in O, Si, Al, Ca. Based on our results, we suggest that nanoparticle formation is a complex, plastic-brittle transition process. Thermal decomposition driven by steady shearing possibly forms well-organized nanoparticles, while fast-moving dislocations by shock-like stress release possibly forms radial nanofibers.