Dynamic high pressure phase transformation of ZrW2O8

Phase transformations under high strain rates (dynamic compression) are examined in situ on ZrW2O8, a negative thermal expansion ternary ceramic displaying polymorphism. Amorphization, consistent with prior quasi-static measurements, was observed at peak pressure of 3.0 GPa dynamic conditions, which approximate those expected during fabrication. Evidence partial amorphization lower (1.8 GPa) that may be kinetically restrained by the short (<∼150 ns) time scale applied pressure. The impact kinetics pressure-induced from material fabrication methods is briefly discussed.