Carbon Phase Transition by Dynamic Shock Compression of a Copper/Graphite Powder Mixture

Abstract
Shock compression of a copper/graphite powder mixture was conducted. The shock - treated sample was characterized by micro - Raman spectroscopy and optical/electron microscopy. Cubic diamond in small quantities was detected. Synthesis of two cubic phases of carbon was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was proposed that they originated via solid - vapor - solid (SVS) or solid - vapor - liquid - solid (SVLS) sequences of phase transformation. Copper may not merely be a coolant to rapidly quench the shock - loaded carbon, but also act as a physical and chemical reaction partner.