The way of hardening high pressure apparatus matrices

Abstract

This paper presents the solution of the problem of the lifetime prolongation for the high pressure apparatus matrixes used for artificial diamonds synthesis by means of a catalytic method at working mixture squeezed up to the pressure of 4 GPa and heated up to the temperature 1700 K. Our investigation has shown that a considerable lifetime prolongation for the high pressure apparatus matrices can be achieved by increasing the mechanical hardness of their effective area and by their structure improvement. The matrices were being handled in high vacuum conditions in the Ar+ plasma of a low energy ionic source. Simultaneously a graphite target in the ionic source was being sprayed with laser radiation. This processing led to the formation of the solid replacement solution and to the creation of the strengthened surface layer containing carbide. It also led to the elimination of the microcracks with the i-carbon.