Synthesis of nano-polycrystalline diamond from glassy carbon at pressures up to 25 GPa

ABSTRACT

Nano-polycrystalline diamond (NPD) with various grain sizes has been synthesized from glassy carbon at pressures 15–25?GPa and temperatures 1700–2300°C using multianvil apparatus. The minimum temperature for the synthesis of pure NPD, below which a small amount of compressed graphite was formed, significantly increased with pressure from ～1700°C at 15?GPa to ～1900°C at 25?GPa. The NPD having grain sizes less than ～50?nm was synthesized at temperatures below ～2000°C at 15?GPa and ～2300°C at 25?GPa, above which significant grain growth was observed. The grain size of NPD decreases with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature, and the pure NPD with grain sizes less than 10?nm is obtained in a limited temperature range around 1800–2000°C, depending on pressure. The pure NPD from glassy carbon is highly transparent and exhibits a granular nano-texture, whose grain size is tunable by selecting adequate pressure and temperature conditions.     

Nano-polycrystalline diamond synthesized through the decomposition of stearic acid

ABSTRACT

Here we report a novel route for synthesizing nano-polycrystalline diamond (NPD) using stearic acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂) as a starting material under high pressure and high temperature. The obtained NPD shows a transparent dark-yellowish color similar to the standard NPD synthesized from graphite and consists of extremely fine diamond grains (～10?nm). The temperature required for the present synthesis of pure transparent NPD is as low as 1000°C at 13 and 17?GPa, which is surprisingly lower than that for conventional NPD synthesis (1800–2000°C). The amorphous-like, extremely poorly crystalline graphite produced by the thermal decomposition of stearic acid likely provides preferential nucleation sites for diamond and significantly lower the activation energy. The removal of volatile components such as H₂O generated through the decomposition from the system is a key to obtain pore-free transparent NPD. Magnesite, MgCO₃ and periclase, MgO can be used as an efficient H₂O remover through the hydration reaction.     

High pressure neutron diffraction to beyond 20 GPa and below 1.8 K using Paris-Edinburgh load frames

We describe a method for collecting neutron diffraction patterns simultaneously at high pressure (>22?GPa) and low temperature (<1.8?K). The system uses ～5–10?mm³ samples compressed by double-toroidal sintered diamond anvils, with the required forces generated by a Paris-Edinburgh press of 30?kg mass. Technical details are given and diffraction data of ε-iron at 22.6?GPa and 1.79?K are presented.     

Crystallization of mesoporous silica SBA-15 in a high pressure hydrothermal environment

Mesoporous silica SBA-15 (with ～6?nm pore size and ～6?nm wall thickness) was exposed to a hydrothermal environment at 2 and 5?GPa. The p,T quenched products were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis of a sample subjected to 5?GPa at room temperature suggests functionalization of both inner and outer pore surface by silanol. Partial transformation to nano-sized (20–50?nm) coesite crystals with nonfaceted morphology was observed during short equilibration times of 2?h at 125°C, which is significantly below the melting point of water (～250°C). Untransformed SBA-15 maintained intact pore structure. At 175°C and during 8?h, SBA-15 transformed completely into faceted coesite crystals with dimensions 100–300?nm, suggesting Ostwald ripening and thus significant mass transport in the solid water environment. At 2?GPa the melting point of water is near 70°C. Partial transformation to nano-sized α-quartz was observed at 65°C and during 2?h. Untransformed SBA-15 partially pore collapsed. The reduced pore stability of SBA-15 at 2?GPa is attributed to the presence of liquid water in the pores due to melting point depression of confined water.     

Boron–Carbon Nanocomposites Fabricated at High Pressures and Temperatures

Interaction of amorphous boron and C₆₀ fullerite is analyzed at pressures of 2.0 and 7.7. GPa and temperatures of 600–1800°C. Effect of pressure and temperature on the material structure is studied, temperatures for synthesis of boron carbide and diamond are found, and the sequence of transformations of the carbon component is determined. Ultrasonic method is used to measure elastic moduli of the samples, and the dependences of the moduli on the structure are analyzed. It is demonstrated that the boron–carbon nanocomposite synthesized at relatively low pressure (2.0 GPa) and temperature (about 1000°C) exhibits high elastic parameters (bulk modulus, B ≈ 75.3–84.0 GPa; Young modulus, E ≈ 108–119 GPa; and shear modulus, G ≈ 43–47 GPa at a density of about 2.2 g/cm³). The results can be used for development of novel nanocomposite materials.     

High pressure infiltration sintering behavior of WC-Co alloys

In this paper, two average tungsten carbide particle sizes of 2, 0.5?μm are placed respectively, in contact with a WC-16Co substrate, pressed at the pressure of 4.5–5.5?GPa, and heated to temperatures ranging from 1350°C to 1500°C in a large-volume cubic press. During the process Co was forced out of the WC-16Co substrate into the compressed powder. The resulting infiltrated samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Vickers hardness and cutting performance tests. The results of XRD confirmed that the sintered bulks have WC and Co phases. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reveals that the WC grains in well-sintered alloys are round in shape and cobalt with lower content is uniformly dispersed in the WC grain boundaries. The sintered sub-micron WC-Co alloy with a cobalt content of 3.8?wt% exhibits a prominent combination of high hardness value of 23.1?GPa and a large fracture toughness value of 8.6?MPa?m^½. The high-speed cutting tests indicating its cutting performance is significantly superior to the commercial YG6X (WC-6?wt%Co with WC grain size of 0.5?μm).     

Kinetic peculiarities of diamond crystallization in K-Na-Mg-Ca-Carbonate-Carbon melt-solution

The kinetic peculiarities of diamond crystallization in multicomponent K-Na-Mg-Ca-carbonate-carbon system have been studied in conditions of diamond stability at 1500–1800°C and 7.5–8.5 GPa. It has been established that the diamond phase nucleation density at a fixed temperature of 1600°C decreases from 1.3 × 10⁵ nuclei/mm³ at 8.5 GPa to 3.7 × 10³ nuclei/mm³ at 7.5 GPa. The fluorescence spectra of obtained diamond crystals contain peaks at 504 nm (H3-defect), 575 nm (NV-center), and 638 nm (NV-defect), caused by the presence of nitrogen impurity. In the cathodoluminescence spectra, an A-band with the maximum at 470 nm is present. The obtained data make it possible to assign the synthesized diamonds in the carbonate-carbon system to the mixed Ia + Ib type.     

Fracture toughness evaluation of WC–10 wt% Co hardmetal sintered under high pressure and high temperature

This work focused on fracture toughness studies of WC–10?wt% Co hardmetal fabricated through the high pressure/high-temperature technique. A powder mixture of WC–10?wt% Co was sintered at 1500–1900°C under a pressure of 7.7?GPa for 2 and 3?min. Vickers hardness test at two different loads of 15 and 30?kgf was done and fracture toughness of the sintered bodies was measured using the indentation method to obtain the effect of sintering parameters. Structural analyses were also performed via X-ray diffraction to investigate structure-related properties. Full density was achieved for high sintering temperature along with abnormal grain growth that reduced hardness. High hardness was observed ranging from 1200 to 1670?HV and fracture toughness increased with increasing sintering temperature up to the highest value of 17.85?MPa/m^1/2.     

Synthesis and characterization of in situ nanocrystalline intermetallic phase reinforced AlTiSi amorphous matrix composite

Composites with partially amorphous matrix were synthesized by mechanical alloying of an Al₅₀Ti₄₀Si₁₀ elemental powder blend in a high energy planetary ball-mill, followed by high pressure (8 GPa) low temperature (350–450°C) sintering. Microstructural studies and compositional micro-analysis were carried out using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. Phase evolution as a function of milling time and isothermal temperature and their thermal stability was determined by X-ray diffraction at room or elevated temperature and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The microstructure of composites sintered between room temperature and 450°C showed nano-size (≈50 nm) crystalline precipitates of Al₃Ti dispersed in an amorphous matrix. The composites sintered at 400°C with 8 GPa pressure exhibited the highest density (3.58 Mg/m³), nanoindentation hardness (8.8 GPa), Young's modulus (158 GPa) and compressive strength (1940 MPa). A lower hardness and modulus on sintering at 450°C is attributed to additional amorphous to nanocrystalline phase transformation and partial coarsening of Al₃Ti.     

High pressure studies using two-stage diamond micro-anvils grown by chemical vapor deposition

Ultra-high static pressures have been achieved in the laboratory using a two-stage micro-ball nanodiamond anvils as well as a two-stage micro-paired diamond anvils machined using a focused ion-beam system. The two-stage diamond anvils’ designs implemented thus far suffer from a limitation of one diamond anvil sliding past another anvil at extreme conditions. We describe a new method of fabricating two-stage diamond micro-anvils using a tungsten mask on a standard diamond anvil followed by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) homoepitaxial diamond growth. A prototype two-stage diamond anvil with 300?µm culet and with a CVD diamond second stage of 50?µm in diameter was fabricated. We have carried out preliminary high pressure X-ray diffraction studies on a sample of rare-earth metal lutetium sample with a copper pressure standard to 86?GPa. The micro-anvil grown by CVD remained intact during indentation of gasket as well as on decompression from the highest pressure of 86?GPa.     

High pressure sintering behavior of polycrystalline diamond with tungsten

Polycrystalline diamond was investigated under high pressure and high temperature of 5.0 GPa and 1100–1500 °C in the presence of tungsten. In situ resistance measurements indicated that reactions between diamond and tungsten happened at about 960 °C. Phase analysis demonstrated that WC increased and meta-stability of W₂C decreased clearly at the higher temperature. It is clear from the characterization of the sintered body that the electrical resistance decreased and the density of specimens increased as the sintering temperature rose. The specimen sintered at 1500 °C has a homogeneous microstructure and good conductivity.     

Strength and equation of state of molybdenum triboride under 80 GPa pressure,using radial X-ray diffraction

The strength and equation of state of molybdenum triboride have been determined under nonhydrostatic compression up to 80?GPa, using an angle-dispersive radial X-ray diffraction technique in a diamond anvil cell (DAC). The RXD data yield a bulk modulus and its pressure derivative as K_0?=?342(6)?GPa with K₀′?=?2.11(17) at ψ?=?54.7°. Analysis of diffraction data using the strain theory indicates that the ratio of differential stress to shear modulus (t/G) ranges from 0.002 to 0.050 at pressures of 4–80?GPa. Together with theoretical results on the high pressure shear modulus, our results here show that molybdenum triboride sample under uniaxial compression can support a differential stress of ～10?GPa when it started to yield with plastic deformation at ～30?GPa. In addition, we draw a conclusion that MoB₃ is not a superhard material but a hard material.     

Behavior of thermocouples under high pressure in a multi-anvil apparatus

We have conducted experiments to study the behavior of W5%Re–W26%Re (type C) and Pt10%Rh–Pt (type S) thermocouples under high pressure in a multi-anvil apparatus. The electromotive force (emf) between four different or three identical thermocouple wires was measured up to 15?GPa and 2100?°C. Mechanical and chemical stability of the thermocouples was examined during and after the experiments. Due to the effect of pressure on the emf/temperature relation, the temperature reading of the type C minus that of the type S thermocouple rises to +5?°C then falls to ?15?°C between room temperature and 1500?°C at 5?GPa, and to +25?°C and then ?35?°C between room temperature and 1800?°C at 15?GPa. In addition, we observed variations in the emf/temperature relation caused by uncertainties in the position and geometry of hot junctions in a steep temperature gradient, and by variable distribution of pressure gradient and non-hydrostatic stress on the thermocouple wires. These errors are estimated at 1.6% for the type S thermocouple up to 1700?°C, and 0.8% for the type C thermocouple up to 2100?°C. Self-diffusion and chemical contamination of the thermocouples by high-purity insulating ceramics appear negligible for the type S thermocouple at 1700?°C for one hour, and for the type C thermocouple at 2100?°C for half an hour. In contrast, large-scale displacement of the hot junction due to dislocation of the type C thermocouple wires and plastic deformation of the type S thermocouple wires may lead to large errors in temperature measurement (±200?°C).     

Semiconductor diamond heater in the Kawai multianvil apparatus: an innovation to generate the lower mantle geotherm

Semiconductor diamond is considered the best heater material to generate ultra-high temperatures in a Kawai cell. In two pioneering studies, a mixture of graphite and amorphous boron (or boron carbide, B₄C) was converted to semiconductor diamond in the diamond stability field and was confirmed to generate 2000°C and 3500°C, respectively. Following these works, we synthesized a homemade boron-doped graphite block with fine machinability. With this technical breakthrough, we developed a semiconductor diamond heater in a smaller Kawai-type cell assembly. Here, we report the procedure for making machinable boron-doped graphite, and the performance of the material as a heater in a Kawai cell at 15?GPa using tungsten carbide anvils and at ～50?GPa using sintered diamond anvils. Furthermore, we present a finite element simulation of the temperature distribution generated by a semiconductor diamond heater, which is much more homogeneous than that generated by a metal heater.     

Effect of egassing on the formation of polycrystals from diamond nanopowders produced by detonation and static syntheses

The sintering of diamond nanopowders produced by detonation and static synthesis and degassed through vacuum thermal treatment is studied at an initial pressure of 8 GPa in the temperature range 1200–1600°C. Chemical modification of the initial nanopowders, in combination with thermal treatment in vacuum and encapsulation of the working volume, is shown to suppress graphitization of diamond during sintering, thereby increasing the strength and hardness of polycrystals thus obtained.     

Formation of conductive layers inside diamond by hydrogen ion implantation and subsequent thermal treatment at low or high pressures

(111) synthetic HPTP diamond plates are irradiated by H ₂ ⁺ 50 keV ions in the range of the fluences of 1?13 × 10¹⁶ sm^?2 and annealed in vacuum at 1 mPa (VPHT, 500?C1600°C) or at high HPHT parameters (4.0?C7.5 GPa, 1200?C1550°C). It is shown by measuring the layer conductivity and Raman light scattering that after VPHT annealing, a buried layer of glassy carbon 10?C100 nm thick with low resistance (??1 kOhm/??) is formed, followed by HPHT with high resistance (??1 MOhm/??) and hopping transport along defects.     

Comparison of the Raman pressure shift and the Raman temperature shift of benzene and diamond with the ruby soale

Abstract

In order to serve as substitute for the pressure ruby scale at high temperature, the breathing mode of bemsens (990 cm^?1) and the first order Raman mode of diamond (1333 cm^?1) have been studied as a function of pressure and temperature in the range of 0–15 GPa and 25–400°C. The diamond and bensene Raman frequency shifts are shoft to be of valuable use as a pressure scale at high temperature. A further advantage of bensene is to remain a suitable pressure transmitting medium up to 350°C and 15 GP.     

从碳化硅和铁体系合成金刚石

 为了探明从SiC生成金刚石这一过程中触媒作用的机理，有必要调查SiC加不同金属在高压高温下的行为。在本工作中，以16重量比混合的SiC和铁粉经5.4~6.0 GPa的高压力和1 300~1 500 ℃的高温处理20 min后，样品的X射线衍射分析表明：所有实验条件下SiC都发生了分解，并分别生成了Fe₃Si和Fe₃C；温度越高，SiC分解得越彻底，在温度高于1 375 ℃的样品中，伴随Fe₃C减少，有金刚石和石墨明显析出。扫描电镜观察表明：6.0 GPa、1 500 ℃下所得的金刚石晶体具有完整的八面体晶形，平均粒度约50 μm。     

A simple opposed-anvil apparatus for high pressure and temperature experiments above 10 GPa

A new opposed-anvil high pressure and temperature apparatus was developed based on the Drickamer-type apparatus. Various improvements were made to increase the sample volume and to generate high pressure and temperature stably and easily. By optimizing components such as the anvil, heater, and gasket, large sample volumes of about 4?mm³ (～10³ times more than that previously obtained with our previous apparatus) were achieved, with compact and light apparatus (outer diameter ? 40?mm; height 31?mm; weight 300?g). Pressures and temperatures up to about 15?GPa and 1700?K can routinely and stably be achieved by using this assembly. In order to extend the pressure range further, sintered diamond was used as an anvil material. As a result, pressures and temperatures of around 38?GPa and 1400?K were achieved, although the sample volume was decreased to about 1.3×10^?1?mm³.     

Modified Bridgman anvils for high pressure synthesis and neutron scattering

ABSTRACT

A simple modified Bridgman design for large volume pressure anvils usable in the Paris-Edinburgh (PE) press has been demonstrated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Spallation Neutron Source. The design shows advantages over the toroidal anvils typically used in the PE press, mainly rapid compression/decompression rates, complete absence of blow-outs upon drastic phase transitions, simplified cooling, high reliability, and relative low loads (～40 tons) corresponding to relatively high pressures (～20?GPa). It also shows advantages over existing large-volume diamond cells as sample volumes of ～2–3?mm³ can be easily and rapidly synthesized. The anvils thus allow sample sizes sufficient for in situ neutron diffraction as well as rapid synthesis of adequate amounts of new materials for ex situ analysis via total neutron scattering and neutron spectroscopy.