Shock compression of diamonds in silicon carbide matrix up to 110 GPa

We have synthesized the well-performance bulk diamond–SiC composite by the high-temperature and high-pressure method and employed the light gas gun launched flyer plates to investigate shock compression response of the diamond–SiC composite. The plots of shock velocity vs particle velocity demonstrate the presence of double elastic waves in the diamond–SiC composite under shock compression. The first elastic wave travels at 13.1 ∼ 13.6 km / s and leads to yielding at ∼ 12.75 GPa. The second elastic wave propagates at 12.8 ∼ 13.0 km / s and does not display the yielding up to ∼ 110 GPa. Such a Hugoniot elastic limit is apparently higher than that of the single crystal diamond. The strengthening mechanism underlying the diamond–SiC composite has been discussed. By simulations of the lattice-spring model, the results revealed that under shock compression, the silicon carbide matrix yields first in the composite, resulting in damage to the substructure surrounding the diamond particles. This damage releases the intense shear stress and protects the diamond from severe crushing. Due to diamonds being hydrostatically confined by the silicon carbide matrix, both dislocation migration and slip band sliding are suppressed significantly, which enhances the strength of diamonds.