POLYMERIZATION OF SOLID C-60 UNDER HIGH-PRESSURE THROUGH PARTIAL MOLECULAR COALESCENCE

In the present study, atomic force microscopy reveals that, instead of a ''2 + 2 cycloaddition'' polymerization mechanism similar to that wh ich occurs under light irradiation, an intermediate mechanism occurs w hen solid C-60 undergoes 9.5 GPa in the 623-773 K range: polymerizatio n probably proceeds through partial coalescence of C-60 molecules lead ing to a very hard cross-linked polymer.