The dynamical theory of the diamond lattice. Part III. The diamond graphite transformation

Abstract

The transformation of the diamond structure to the graphite structure is explained in terms of three elementary operations, one of which is a definite displacement of the two cubic face-centered lattices of diamond relative to one another. It is shown here that for a certain displacement of the component lattices, diamond attains maximum energy of its configuration and becomes unstable. The temperature at which diamond becomes unstable and transforms to graphite is calculated and is shown to be in good agreement with the experimental determinations. The ideas followed up here seem to be not very special to the diamond-graphite transformation itself but can have extensions for similar types of transformation of other substances.