On the amorphisation of ZnCr₂S₄ spinel under high pressure: x-ray diffraction studies

Abstract 

Compressibility of ZnCr₂S₄ single crystals and their structure under pressure have been determined by means of x-ray methods. A pressure region of deterioration of the single crystal was observed around 10 GPa. Moreover, a plastic deformation as a result of a phase transition under pressure, an irreversible structural change, a chemical decomposition of the sample or a hysteresis effect, has been revealed. The crystals that are recovered from the pressure cell show a decrease in unit cell volume of 3% compared to the initial volume.