REVERSE MONTE-CARLO ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE OF GLASSY-CARBON USING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY DATA

The reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) method was utilized in order to obtain t hree-dimensional atom configurations in glassy carbon using measuremen ts of the static structure provided by electron diffraction. This allo wed the local and medium-range order in glassy carbon formed at heat-t reatment temperatures of 1000 and 2500 degrees C to be analyzed in det ail. In particular, the nature of the graphitelike bonding within the glassy-carbon structure was investigated as well as the form of disord er that gives rise to the particular features of its static structure factor. The configurations produced by the RMC method consisted of ran domly stacked graphitic basal planes possessing a buckled nature. It w as found that significant nongraphitic regions exist in glassy carbon including the presence of three- and five-membered rings. These disord ered regions decrease in extent as the heat-treatment temperature incr eases.