Detailed Mapping of Reaction Diagrams for Metastable Phases

Abstract

ABSTRACTA method is presented to map reaction diagrams for metastable phases by treating a rod-shaped sample under high pressure in a known temperature gradient, such that each point on the sample is treated at a unique, known temperature. After quenching to ambient conditions the structural properties of the sample can be studied by spectroscopic or other techniques. The accuracy and resolution in temperature is mainly limited by the uncertainties in the measured temperature distribution during treatment and the uncertainty in position during analysis. The method is tested by re-mapping the polymerization reaction of C60 under high pressure in the range 0.8 – 2 GPa. Preliminary data show surprisingly sharp "reaction boundaries" at certain temperatures, signalling the onset of dimerization and polymerization of the material.