High-density amorphous phase of silicon carbide obtained under large plastic shear and high pressure

In situ x-ray diffraction study of the hexagonal 6H SiC under pressure and shear in rotational diamond anvil cell is performed that reveals phase transformation to the new high-density amorphous (hda) phase SiC. In contrast to known low-density amorphous SiC, hda-SiC is promoted by pressure and unstable under pressure release. The critical combination of pressure ∼30 GPa and rotation of an anvil of 2160°that causes disordering is determined.