Detonation Synthesis of Nano-Size Materials

The detonation of explosives typically creates 100's of kbar pressures and 1000's K temperatures. These pressures and temperatures last for only a fraction of a microsecond as the products expand. Nucleation and growth of crystalline materials can occur under these conditions. Recovery of these materials is difficult but can occur in some circumstances. This paper describes the detonation synthesis facility, recovery of nano-size diamond, and plans to synthesize other nano-size materials by modifying the chemical composition of explosive compounds. The characterization of nano-size diamonds by transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy will also be reported.