The preparation of synthetic diamond powders is an extremely challenging technology, requiring highly specialized techniques and equipment in the preparation process. This article will delve into the preparation process and precautions of synthetic diamond powders, which are conducive to comprehensively understanding the characteristics and requirements of this technology and providing assistance for the production of artificial diamonds.
The first step in manufacturing synthetic diamond powders is to mix carbonaceous graphite and diamond grains and press them into the desired shape. This process can be done through hot pressing or cold pressing. In hot pressing, the compression tool and raw materials are heated to a high temperature state and then compressed under high pressure. Cold pressing, on the other hand, achieves the desired density and shape of the raw materials through mechanical compression. The formed "green body" from this pressing can be used for high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis.
In a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, the green body and metal catalysts are placed into a high-temperature and high-pressure synthesizer for reaction. This process requires conditions of both high pressure (reaching 50,000 to 70,000 atmospheres) and high temperature (rising to 1400°C to 1600°C) to be met. Under such pressure and temperature, chemical reactions between the carbon in the raw materials and the metal catalysts occur, forming hexagonal diamond crystals.
After high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis, the artificial diamond crystal blocks have been formed, but they need to go through multiple stages of grinding, including coarse grinding, medium grinding, and fine grinding, to become the industrial products we need. In the grinding process, different tools such as drills, cutters, and saw blades are required, and the process is performed according to the requirements of the desired product.
The final polishing process is a key step in improving the surface smoothness and brightness of synthetic diamond powders. In this process, a belt coated with polishing agent is first applied, then rotated and rubbed in the polishing machine. This method can make the surface smooth and enhance the appearance quality.
The quality and uniform mixing of raw materials have a significant impact on the final quality of the diamond, requiring certain experience and skills.
Accurate control and maintenance of high-temperature and high-pressure conditions are crucial for the quality and crystal growth of the diamond.
The cutting and grinding processes require very precise operations and advanced tools and equipment to ensure the production of high-quality diamonds.
In summary, the production process of synthetic diamond powders includes four stages: pressing, high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis, grinding, and polishing. Although this process is relatively complex, the cost of artificial diamonds is still relatively low compared to gold and diamonds. Special attention needs to be paid to operational safety and quality control during the processing to ensure the quality and stability of the final product. In the industrial field, synthetic diamond powders have been widely used in various cutting and grinding tools due to their high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and long service life.