New trends in high-pressure synthesis of diamond

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Abstract

Four stages are distinguished in high-pressure synthesis of diamond. The first is design features providing for the optimal distribution of pressure and temperature in the reaction cell volume. Computer-aided modelling of a multielement medium by numerical calculations based on non-linear mechanics of elasto-plastic deformation is used. The second involves the definition of p,T conditions of diamond crystallization on the strength of Me–carbon phase diagrams under pressure. The third relates to the formulation of metal–carbon reaction compositions based on the contact interaction of carbon phases under pressure. The fourth consists of a high-pressure–high-temperature treatment of diamond crystals with the aim of changing their impurity and defect states.

Introduction

Up to now, we have considered the synthesis of diamond and cBN as a combination of techniques of skilful practical operators and experienced researchers rather than the results of precise calculations required for making an analytically grounded decision upon the composition of a reaction mixture, the design of a high-pressure apparatus (HPA), the optimum pressure and temperature, and their variations during a cycle of operation.

We, at the Institute for Superhard Materials (Kiev, Ukraine), consider that it is possible to extend the theoretical grounding of the process of high-pressure synthesis of diamond and other superhard materials by using the results of fundamental research in the physics and mechanics of deformable solids, physical chemistry, and computational mathematics.

Section snippets

Results and discussion

Now, I will enlarge on the results obtained on the basic points that can be distinguished in the synthesis of diamond and other superhard materials under high static pressures. They are: (1) choice and calculation of HPA basic components; (2) definition of p,T conditions of diamond crystallization on the strength of Me–carbon phase diagrams under pressure; (3) decision upon the optimum melt composition from characteristics of wettability and contact interaction of carbon phases under pressure;

Conclusions

  • 1.

    A thermomechanical model has been suggested, and software packets for computation of p,T parameters of diamond crystallization from graphite have been developed. In calculations, we take into account the non-uniformity and non-hydroscopic nature of the stressed–strained state, resistance to the interphase boundary motion, the presence of a metal melt, and the yield of crystallized diamond.

  • 2.

    The efficiencies of HPA that differ in design and material have been numerically analyzed and compared. We

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