  Using all atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have studied the
mechanical properties of ZnS/CdS core/shell nanowires. Our results show that
the coating of a few atomic layer CdS shell on the ZnS nanowire leads to a
significant change in the stiffness of the core/shell nanowires compared to the
stiffness of pure ZnS nanowires. The binding energy between the core and shell
region decreases due to the lattice mismatch at the core-shell interface. This
reduction in binding energy plays an important role in determining the
stiffness of a core/shell nanowire. We have also investigated the effects of
the shell on the thermal conductivity and melting behavior of the nanowires.
