Effect of inelastic deformation on crystallite size in post-shock 6H polytype SiC

Shock-recovery experiments have been conducted on 6H polytype silicon carbide to 135 GPa and post-shock samples have been analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. Results indicate that at up to 25-30 GPa, crystallite size is reduced faster than above this pressure, when reduction slows. Shock-induced inelastic deformation of 6H-SiC is known to develop fully for stress above 25 GPa, coinciding with the pressure range observed where crystallite size reduction decreases. Inelastic deformation appears to be responsible for this slowed crystallite size reduction.