Synthetic Diamonds: Patent 5437243 Conversion w/ Supercritical Current?

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In summary, the patent describes a method of allotropic conversion of graphite to diamond using a supercritical current (1,000,000 columns) 4 microseconds >1000 volt potential. The patent has some questionable principles behind it, and it is unclear if it would actually work. Additionally, there are many practical problems with the proposed setup.
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lilrex
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There is a patent (5437243) that describes a method of allotropic conversion of graphite to diamond using a supercritical current (1,000,000 columns) 4 microseconds >1000 volt potential.

The patent sounds a little iffy and of course I do not understand the principles behind the claim. I was wondering if anyone has some insight on this. Can you re-arrange the bonds of a crystal structure with current?
 
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well.. if it actually carries out an allotropic conversion.. it isn't really a synthetic diamond.. it's an actual diamond..
 
  • #3
Yea I guess you are right, "synthetic" can cover a wide variety of compounds and techniques.
 
  • #4
I have not found any more information on this method of diamond production. however I wonder if one could cause a strong enough magnetic field to compress a diamond in a Z-pinch arrangement. according to my first glance calculations if one set up a Z-pinch reactor with a current of 1,000,000 amps, a 2.2TW discharge could produce 315.76 KBar of pressure on a graphite specimen .62cm in diameter and 2.54 cm long. With a proper duration of pulse the graphite could be heated to 2500K thereby accomplishing the conversion from graphite to diamond.

Of course there is the skin effect that would vaporize the outer periphery of graphite and not heat the core, so the whole "simple" setup is flawed anyway. Not counting the various other problems like insulating against flashover of 1.6MV across 2.4cm and so forth.

I wonder if I could come up with something that could collapse a copper tube and pre-heat the graphite to temp. That way the Z-pinch would use considerable less power and still accomplish the pressures.

Does anyone know how long the allotropic conversion at or above the “diamond/ diamond metastable graphite” line takes to convert? e.g. will < us time work?

But all of this has no relation to the phenomena described in the mentioned patent
 

FAQ: Synthetic Diamonds: Patent 5437243 Conversion w/ Supercritical Current?

1. What is Patent 5437243 for Synthetic Diamonds?

Patent 5437243 is a patent for a process of converting graphite to synthetic diamonds using a supercritical current. This process was invented by a team of scientists at the General Electric Company in 1995.

2. How does the supercritical current conversion process work?

The supercritical current conversion process involves subjecting graphite to a high temperature and high pressure environment, using a supercritical current as the heating source. This causes the carbon atoms in the graphite to rearrange and form a diamond lattice structure, resulting in the creation of synthetic diamonds.

3. What are the advantages of using this process for creating synthetic diamonds?

One of the main advantages of using the supercritical current conversion process is that it can produce high-quality synthetic diamonds at a lower cost compared to other methods. It also allows for more control over the size, shape, and purity of the diamonds produced.

4. Are synthetic diamonds created through this process identical to natural diamonds?

No, there are some differences between synthetic diamonds and natural diamonds. While both are made of pure carbon, synthetic diamonds have a slightly different crystal structure and may contain impurities that are not found in natural diamonds. However, synthetic diamonds are still considered to be real diamonds and have similar physical and chemical properties.

5. What are the potential applications of synthetic diamonds created through this process?

Synthetic diamonds have a wide range of potential applications, including use in jewelry, cutting and drilling tools, heat sinks for electronics, and as semiconductors in electronic devices. They can also be used in industrial applications such as cutting, grinding, and polishing due to their extreme hardness and durability.

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