MODIFIED HIGH-TEMPERATURE CELL (UP TO 3300 K) FOR USE WITH A CUBIC PRESS

A high temperature-high pressure pyrophyllite cell with a graphite hea ter has Limitations when temperature exceeds similar to 2100 K. A conv entional cell used with the cubic anvil high pressure apparatus has be en modified to reach similar to 3300 K. The heater power versus temper ature calibration curve has been established using Pt-Pt10%Rh thermoco uple up to 1900 K. For calibration above 1900 K, the heater powers req uired to initiate melting in Al2O3, Y2O3, and TiB2, and decomposition of alpha-SiC have been determined. The melting (or decomposition) of t he specimens has been detected by examining the microstructure of the specimens recovered after pressure-temperature treatment. (C) 1996 Ame rican Institute of Physics.