Studies of graphite transformation at cold compression

A possibility of formation of novel carbon phases from graphite at continuous exposure under pressures of 18 GPa to 45 GPa at room temperature was examined. Features in the pressure dependence of resistance as well as its relaxation times were found in the range 27-35 GPa. The scanning electron microscope image of the sample subjected to the pressure of 45 GPa shows the inclusion of a new phase, which did not disappear after removal of the load. However, the new phase is poorly seen in the pressure dependence of resistivity because of shunting by a large amount of non-transformed graphite.