Solomon - 31-12-2013 at 01:52
is it possible to build a DIY diamond anvil high pressure cell? If so how? I couldn't find any DIY info online not supprisingly due to the complexity
of such a device.
bfesser - 31-12-2013 at 05:13
This topic interests me greatly. Sadly, on this website (as far as I'm aware), it's only been mentioned a couple of times in passing. I would say
that it's definitely possible, but I don't think it'd be particularly cheap or easy. I'm a little surprised that Ben Krasnow hasn't done it yet. The
devices aren't particularly complex, but you need access to a machinist and materials. [edit] The diamonds must be gem quality, and selected and cut
carefully, though. Which is probably what puts this beyond the reach of most amateurs.
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_anvil_cell" target="_blank">Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC)</a> <img src="../scipics/_wiki.png"
/>
[Edited on 31.12.13 by bfesser]
neptunium - 31-12-2013 at 10:43
i have been thinking of a steel piston (or carbon re enforced fiber) activated by ice...
freezing water exert a tremendous pressure that i though could be utilized in a diamond making machine... therefore supressing the need for hydraulics
.
but these were just thoughts.
bfesser - 31-12-2013 at 12:50
Unless I'm mistaken, both pressure and heat are required to convert graphite to diamond. Although I like the idea of using ice to achieve high
pressure, it would probably require more engineering and effort to implement, overall.
macckone - 31-12-2013 at 17:50
Tungsten carbide is a more affordable (and commonly available) material to make an anvil cell from. I believe tungsten carbide is used in the cells
that make industrial diamonds.
Of course making nanodiamonds via explosives is more fun.
bfesser - 31-12-2013 at 18:49
That was <a href="viewthread.php?tid=26050#pid298991">mentioned</a> a few months back.
turd - 1-1-2014 at 12:04
Since the sellers of diamond anvil cells typically are DIY shops - yes of course it can be done - given the necessary experience.
Before starting, there's at least three questions to answer:
1) How are you going to determine the pressure close to the sample?
2) How are you going to characterize the sample?
These will influence the choice of material for the backing plates.
3) Have you actually ever put a diamond anvil cell under pressure?
If you haven't, there's a good chance you'll crack a few diamonds. 
Of course you don't make the diamonds - you buy them.