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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Diamond is subject to oxidation if exposed to oxygen while at temperatures above approximately 600°C. A method has been demonstrated for protection of diamond against oxidation by employing Si+ ion implantation to transform a thin surface layer into silicon carbide which exhibits excellent oxidation resistance. Integral SiCx oxidation barrier layers have been formed on diamond using high Si+ dose levels and high temperatures during implantation. SiCx layers have been characterized using Rutherford backscattering, IR spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of high temperature exposure to oxygen have been examined using various oxidation test procedures including thermogravimetric analysis. SiCx layers capable of providing protection of underlying diamond for periods of several minutes at temperatures beyond 1000°C have been accomplished.