Diamond-to-graphite transformation under hypersonic impact
Abstract
Diamond to graphite transformation is a complex kinetically driven process which has been studied under various conditions for its fundamental importance. We report the transformation of diamond embedded ceramic matrix composites during hypersonic impact. Diamond particles embedded in cubic boron nitride matrix provide a superhard composite that was subjected to high impact collisions of metal projectiles travelling at speeds reaching Mach 8.45. Our observations suggest that the energy absorption and fracture of the composite is primarily enabled via the phase change of diamond into graphite. Characterization of the impact-fractured composite shows transformed diamond particles and provides details of the shock-induced phase transformation and the nature of diamond-graphite interfaces formed during rapid phase change. The study provides new understanding of phase transformation of diamond under extreme conditions.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2602.13188,
title = {Diamond-to-graphite transformation under hypersonic impact},
author = {Abhijit Biswas and Aniket Mote and Rajib Sahu and Marcelo Lopes Pereira Junior and Shuo Yang and Sudaice Kazibwe and Jishnu Murukeshan and Raphael Benjamin de Oliveira and Guilherme da Silva Lopes Fabris and Shreyasi Chattopadhyay and Gelu Costin and Jianhua Li and Robert Vajtai and Ching-Wu Chu and Lizhong Lang and Yu Zou and Liangzi Deng and Tobin Filleter and Douglas Soares Galvão and Christian Kübel and Thomas E Lacy and Pulickel M. Ajayan},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.13188},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
58 pages, 4 main figures, 28 supporting figures, authors verison, comments are welcome