The formation and characterization of diamond crystallites by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition - a comparison of gaseous and solid carbon sources as precursors

[[abstract]]Commercial diamond powders are in irregular shapes and have been used as seeds for growing well crystallized fine diamond grits in this study. The surfaces of irregular diamond particles would serve as the seed for the subsequent growth of the diamond crystallites using microwave enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD). Both gaseous and solid carbon sources were used to transform the irregular shaped diamond seeds with sharp edges and corners along with the increase in size to the final equilibrium form of diamond crystallites. In case of gaseous carbon source, the effect of increasing methane content and applying negative dc bias voltage on the formation of diamond crystallites was significant. While in case of solid carbon source, well-faceted diamond crystallites can he extracted from the molten metal-carbon-hydrogen (M-C-H) system. Surface etch pits are numerous; especially noticeable after long exposure in hydrogen plasma. Both growth rates of diamond crystallite irrespective of the carbon sources tend to be parabolic at the later stage of growth.[[fileno]]2020334010111[[department]]材料