Investigations on high enthalpy shock wave exposed graphitic carbon nanoparticles

• Impact of shock wave exposure on the graphitic nanoparticles was reported.
• Weight-loss in material and growth of second order nanostructures were observed.
• With the increase of Ar-pressure, the weight-loss and density of SONs are increased.
• Most of these SONs are highly crystalline and belong to cubic diamond structure.
• Considerable improvement in the quality of GCNP films has been observed.

The impact of high enthalpy shock wave on graphitic carbon nanoparticle (GCNP) films has been investigated and discussed in view of space and chemical engineering applications. The GCNP films were developed by using spray method and exposed to high enthalpy shock wave under an inert atmosphere. Upon shock wave treatment, two typical amendments such as weight loss in the deposited material and growth of second order nanostructures (SONs) have been observed. While increasing test gas pressure, the loss of material and density of SONs are gradually increased. Most of the shock wave induced SONs are highly crystalline and belong to the cubic diamond structure. Upon shock treatment as well as with increase of test gas pressure, a considerable improvement in the quality of GCNP films has been observed. Further, ablation of GCNPs exclusively on the top surface of the coatings and formation of hierarchical NPs (diamond NPs on GCNPs) has been observed.