High dynamic pressures and applications in materials science

Abstract

The high dynamic pressure behaviour of materials is, for many years, of great interest either for scientific studies (equation of state, Hugoniot and off Hugoniot, phase transitions …) or for industrial applications (synthesis of new materials, hardening, welding, powder compaction, jet cutting…

These different aspects are presented and these capabilities certainly will be an important factor in the next future.     

High pressure raman studies of GaAs/A1As superlattices: folded-acoustic phonons and resonant second-order scattering

Abstract

Materials containing light elements and characterized by a dense structure present specific physico-chemical properties.

The carbonitrides C_xN_y, and in particular C₃N₄, have attracted the attention of the scientific community during these last ten years.

The main chemical problem in the synthesis of such materials is to introduce nitrogen into the lattice, due to the strong stability of N₂.

In order to prevent nitrogen loss, the use of high pressures and the selection of nitriding media can be developed.

The present contribution describes the main results obtained through two routes:

(i) the thermal decomposition of precursors containing carbon and nitrogen under high pressure conditions (2-6GPa) (without or with nitrogen solvent)

(ii) the high pressure condensation of “organic” precursors containing carbon and nitrogen.     

Recent developments in the use of high hydrostatic pressures in food processing

Abstract

The use of high pressure in food processing was recently developed in Japan. An historical presentation of such an application during the XXth century will be described. An analysis of the different possible actions of high pressure on living systems will be then given. Some results recently obtained in Bordeaux will also be discussed.     

A new route for the synthesis of nitrides: The solvothermal preparation of GaN

Abstract

A new solvothermal route for the synthesis of nitrides is proposed using liquid NH3 as solvent in supercritical conditions, Such a preparation method was applied to the synthesis of GaN using gallium metal as starting material.

GaN is a wide band-gap semi-conductor (3.4eV). It is a very attractive nitride due to its various applications in micro- and opto-electronics [1,2]. Consequently, many research groups are interested in synthesising GaN. Two methods have been principally developed:

(i) synthesis of thin films by epitaxy [3,4]

(ii) synthesis of bulk GaN by high pressure method [5,6].

The new proposed process leads to fine microcrystallites of GaN with the wurtzite-type structure. The chemical purity can be optimised versus the synthesis mechanism. The size and shape of the crystallites would be influenced by the nature of the nitriding additive and the thermodynamical conditions (pressure and temperature) used for the synthesis.     

Kinetics of phase transitions under high pressure

Abstract

Phase transitions under high pressure have attracted increasing attention i n connection with high pressure synthesis of new materials (e.g. superhard materials, ceramics, semiconductors, high temperature superconductors) and the exploration of geological processes like the formation of rocks and minerals. For t h e investigation of thermodynamic and electronic equilibrium properties a broad spectrum of methods for pressure generation and physical measurements have been developed ^1,2,3,4. Tha measurement of equilibrium properties, however, gives only poor insight into the detailed mechanisnts of phase changes. The accurate determination of phase equilibria and phase diagrams becomes inore and more difficult a t low temperatures due to increasing hysteresis effects end t h e extrapolation of experimental data to zerc, teiiipwature a nd the compar ison with quantumiiiechanical ah in.itio calculations are questionable.     

Research and development at rist

Abstract

The Research Institute for Solvothermal Technology (RIST) opened in September, 1997 to carry out research related to high-temperature and high-pressure fluid technology. The RIST is unique institute specialized high pressure science and technology in Japan, and probably in the world. According to government, the institute is defined as the core facility of a West-Japan creative economic development base zone.

Nowadays, RIST has developed new technologies using supercritical fluids, especially carbon dioxide and water, in areas related to the environment, such as the treatment of organic waste, the production of new materials, such as “new-carbon” substances, materials for batteries and electromagnetic wave absorption, and in the area of energy and resources, such as the conversion or the recycling of industrial plastic waste.

A review will be given on the research and development activities at RIST. It is focused on several essential results obtained in recent investigations. Progressive joint research projects with the cooperation of enterprises, universities and government will be described.     

Bulk diamond formation from graphite in the presence of C-O-H fluid under high pressure

Abstract

C-O-H fluids have been successfully applied as catalysts for bulk diamond formation under high pressure. New insight into C-O-H fluids extends the understanding of the origin of natural diamond, which is presently of interest in materials and geological sciences. This review presents current literature data concerning the synthesis and characterization of bulk diamond formation assisted by C-O-H fluids at high pressure and high temperature. Based on a general survey of this subject, the pressure-temperature regime for diamonds formed in these fluids was established and the mechanism of conversion from graphite to diamond is discussed. Finally, a few questions are put forward that may be useful for the continued development of this research area.     

Some aspects of strength analysis of high-pressure components of hydrodynamic pressing equipment

Abstract

New equipment for handling materials by applying pressure developed for a short period by means of powder-charge pressure accumulators.     

The use of the high pressure hydrothermal method for tailored synthesis of zeolites without structure directing agents. Instance: Synthesis of natural zeolites with 5-1 building units

Abstract

The synthetic counterparts of natural alumosilicate zeolites containing 5-1 structural building units have been synthesized by simulating the natural hydrothermal formation conditions. Synthetic glasses of the respective zeolite composition were used as starting materials, while distilled water under hydrothermal conditions was used as pressure and reaction medium. No structure directing agents, additional solutions or sol-gel material has been employed.

The experience of former investigations on the tailored synthesis of alumosilicate zeolites showed, that 220°C is the expected temperature of maximum gain. Synthesis time was always 60 d. Synthesis pressure for mazzite (MAZ), mordenite (MOR), fer-rierite (FER), epistilbite (EPI) and dachiardite PAC) was 1 kbar while bikitaite (BIK) could only be synthesized at 2 kbar pressure.

The results of the investigations on hand show, that this process can be applied for the tailored synthesis of zeolites with completely new properties (e.g., semiconducting frameworks).     

Development of a high pressure stirring cell up to 2 GPa: a new window for chemical reactions and material synthesis

ABSTRACT

A new method for stirring under high pressure conditions has been developed and tested. The key component is a Teflon cell assembly equipped with magnetic stirring function, which is capable to operate across a wide pressure range, up to at least 2?GPa, in a large volume press. The setup enables adjustable stirrer rotation rate and detection of stirring in a sample, e.g. to observe liquid–solid phase transitions at high pressure. The viscosity limit of stirring is ca. 500 times that of water at room temperature (i.e. ～500?mPas). Moreover, we show that zinc oxide nanoparticles hydrothermally synthesized at 0.5?GPa and 100°C under stirring conditions show an order of magnitude smaller size (100?nm) compared to those synthesized under non-stirring conditions (1?μm). The wide pressure range for stirring of viscous media opens interesting possibilities to produce novel materials via hydrothermal synthesis and chemical reactions.     

Microwave heating in high pressure reaction vessels

Abstract

We report the use of microwave -hydrothermal processing to synthesize various ceramic powders. Microwave-hydrothermal processing is compared with conventional hydrothermal processing in the crystallisation of MoO₂. The presence of microwave field leads to accelerated kinetics of crystallization of the finely divided molybdenum dioxide particles. Existing microwave heated pressure vessels for chemical synthesis cannot be used above 250 MPa and 270°C because they contain parts made of polymeric materials. The objective of this work is to associate a microwave source to a high pressure vessel in a way such that it might be used to carry out reactions in aqueous media at pressures around 100 MPa and temperatures above the critical point of water.     

Acoustic emission from zinc under pressure

Abstract

The kinetics of some processes in materials under high hydrostatic pressure can be investigated with an acoustic emission method after a special adaptation of the high pressure equipment. The method has been applied for studying the effect of compression anisotropy in hcp polycrystalline material - zinc.     

Demixing in binary systems at high pressure

Abstract

It is a well-recognized fact that the application of pressure has a large influence on the properties of pure substances. It will be shown here that this is even more true in the case of mixtures. Under high pressure, several new and interesting phenomena are observed. Some recent results will be presented and discussed.     

New materials from high pressure experiments: Challenges and opportunities

Recent improvements in high pressure techniques have led to new scientific discoveries in fields ranging from Earth and Planetary Science, to fundamental physics and biology. Here we examine the possibilities for development of new technologically-important materials based on high pressure research.     

The high pressure synthesis of the graphitic form of C3N4

Abstract

Basing on “ab-initio” calculations, C₃N₄ was claimed to be an ultra-hard material with a bulk-modulus close to that of diamond. Five different structural varieties were announced: the graphitic form, the zinc blende structure, the α and β forms of Si₃N₄ and another form, isostructural with the high pressure variety of Zn₂Si0₄.

Using the same strategy as that developed for diamond or c-BN synthesis, it appears that the graphitic form could be an appropriate precursor for preparing the 3D varieties. Two main problems characterize the C₃N₄ synthesis: (-) the temperature should be reduced in order to prevent nitrogen loss, (-) the reactivity of the precursors should be improved.

Consequently, we have developed a new process using the solvothermal decomposition of organic precursors containing carbon and nitrogen in the presence of a nitriding solvent. The resulting material, with a composition close to C₃N₄, has been characterized by different physico-chemical techniques.     

A method of quenching in fusing state under high static pressure used to study quasicrystals

Abstract

In this paper, a new method of quenching in fusing state under high static pressure (MQFSHP), which was developed in the beginning of 1986 by our group^1,2, used to study quasicrystals in alloys has been introduced.     

High pressure X-ray emission spectroscopy at the advanced photon source

ABSTRACT

The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of materials under high pressure are of fundamental interest in physics, chemistry, materials science, and earth sciences. Among several hard X-ray-based techniques, X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) provides a powerful tool to probe element-specific information for understanding the electronic and magnetic properties of materials under high pressure. Here, we discuss on the particular requirements and instrumentation used in high pressure XES experiments. We then present several examples to illustrate the recent progress in high pressure XES studies at the Advanced Photon Source, followed by an outlook toward future development in high pressure XES.     

New processes in material production under high pressure

Abstract

To investigate processes of producing high-quality materials using high pressures of gas VNIIMETMASH has developed 3-400 MN hot isostatic presses (HIPes) with working pressure up to 200 MPa and temperature up to 2000°C. Ar and N2 are used as working gases. Frame and vessel units of such machines are of multi-element structure which eliminates the possibility of its fragmentation failure and instant release of compressed gas energy. HIPes are intended for healing defects in casting and compacting metallic, ceramic and composite materials.     

A large volume pressure cell for high temperatures

Abstract

Studies of matter under very high pressure at synchrotron radiation sources are mostly done using pressure cells with single-crystal diamond anvils. In some cases the available volume (≤ 10^?3mm³)in such cells causes problems especially at high temperature and for crystal synthesis. To ensure sufficient homogeneity of pressure and temperature, the use of cells with large sample volumes (≥ 1 mm³) is necessary.

Existing devices for such measurements are compared with a novel setup which consists of a toroidal anvil arrangement and a lightweight (50 kg) press with 250 tonnes (2.5 MN) capacity. Preliminary tests of this instrument with synchrotron radiation are reported.

Presented at the IUCr Workshop on ‘Synchrotron Radiation Instrumentation for HighPressure Crystallography’. Daresbury Laboratory 20-21 July 1991