Hypersonic impact rapidly transforms diamond into graphite, revealing energy-absorbing mechanism
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to stabilize diamond during processing, allowing for the creation of larger diamond-based composites. The study also revealed that high-speed impacts cause diamond to rapidly transform into graphite, providing insights into energy-absorbing materials.
Why it matters
This discovery could lead to the development of significantly tougher materials for use in aerospace and defense applications where extreme durability is required.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Rice researchers unlock new way to manufacture diamond composites, reveal dramatic response to impact. Credit: Jorge Vidal. Rice University researchers have developed a way to stabilize diamond during high-temperature and low-pressure processing, creating a strong bulk composite and discovering that high-speed collisions can rapidly transform diamond into graphite. Their study is published in Materials Today .
Diamond is one of the hardest known materials, with high thermal conductivity, properties that make it valuable for technologies that operate under extreme conditions. The findings could help researchers design tougher materials for aerospace, defense and other demanding environments by showing how diamond changes and absorbs energy under extreme force.
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