Synthesis of novel superhard phases in the B-C-N system

Novel ternary diamond-like phases of the B-C-N system were synthesized at pressures up to 30 GPa and temperatures up to 3500 K by static and dynamic compression of graphite-like BN-C solid solutions. Structure and properties of these new phases were studied using X-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation, analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), microhardness measurements and nanoindentation.