 Source: BBC
Peanut butter is being turned into diamonds by
scientists with a technique that harnesses pressures higher than those
found at the centre of the earth.
Edinburgh University experts say the feat is made
possible by squeezing the paste between the tips of two diamonds
creating a "stiletto heel effect".
The scientists also revealed they can turn oxygen into red crystals using the same method.
Demonstrations take place at Royal Society exhibition shows from 2 July.
Professor Malcolm McMahon, based at the Centre for
Science and Extreme Conditions at Edinburgh University, is one of the
scientists involved.
He said: "Pressure can cause extraordinary changes in all kinds of materials and can create completely novel materials.
"We are currently developing techniques that will create
pressures of up to five million atmospheres, much higher than the
pressure at the centre of the earth, to find the holy grail of
high-pressure physics, the metallic phase of hydrogen.
"If we manage to make metallic hydrogen, the next step
will be to make enough to study it in real detail, which would mean
using much larger diamond anvils, about the size of your thumb, to
squeeze it."
He added: "Obviously large gem-quality diamonds would be
extremely expensive, so we are looking at ways to make them
artificially.
"Many carbon containing materials can be converted into diamond including peanut butter."
Dr Colin Pulham, who is also based at the Edinburgh
University, said: "Submitting substances to extremely high pressure is
a valuable means for understanding their stability.
"High pressure testing of pharmaceuticals is becoming a useful technique to screen new and existing drugs.
"Understanding what happens to a drug's structure and
its properties under pressure could lead to the development of
medication which is better suited to hotter climates, or to the
development of new forms of medication."
The free exhibition runs from Monday 2 to 5 July 2007.
Source: BBC
More:
HemuZ Science
Science Videos
See also:
|
