Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Preparation of Carbon Nanosheets at Room Temperature
Published on: March 8, 2016
Graphitization of Glassy Carbon after Compression at Room Temperature
T B Shiell1, D G McCulloch2,3, D R McKenzie4
1Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia.
Abstract:
Glassy carbon is a technologically important material with isotropic properties that is nongraphitizing up to ∼3000 °C and displays complete or "superelastic" recovery from large compression. The pressure limit of these properties is not yet known. Here we use experiments and modeling to show permanent densification, and preferred orientation occurs in glassy carbon loaded to 45 GPa and above, where 45 GPa represents the limit to the superelastic and nongraphitizing properties of the material. The changes are explained by a transformation from its sp^{2} rich starting structure to a sp^{3} rich phase that reverts to fully sp^{2} bonded oriented graphite during pressure release.
Related Concept Videos
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon Skeletons
Behavior of Concrete Under Compressive Load
As the concrete specimen fractures under...
Carbonation Shrinkage
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction...
Carbon-dioxide Fixation
Body Temperature

