Mutual transformation between crystalline phases in silicon after treatment in a planetary mill: HRTEM studies.

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies of silicon after treatment in a planetary mill have been performed. It is shown that along with the initial phase of silicon, Si-I, the sample also contains some high-pressure phases: Si-III (Kasper phase) and Si-IV (lonsdaleite). We studied the orientation relationship between the particles of different phases, finding that there are, in general, two mechanisms of formation of Si-IV: (1) through the stacking faults formation; (2) through the transformation first to the Kasper phase (Si-III), and then from the Kasper phase to Si-IV. Estimations of temperature and pressure conditions in the planetary ball mill made previously are in accordance with the conditions of formation of the above-mentioned phases.