Interaction of diamond with ultrafine Fe powders prepared by different procedures

We have studied the interaction of synthetic diamond crystals with ultrafine Fe powders during catalytic diamond gasification in a hydrogen atmosphere at 900°C. The Fe powders were prepared by three procedures: reduction of Fe2O3 nanopowder; evaporation using an ELV-6 electron accelerator, followed by condensation; and reduction of ferric chloride. The surface-processed diamond crystals were examined by electron microscopy. The results indicate that ultrafine powders produced by the first two procedures cause predominantly lateral etching of diamond. The Fe particles prepared by the third procedure penetrate into the bulk of diamond crystals and produce etch pits and “tunnels,” thereby markedly increasing the specific surface area of the crystals.