Tequila is surprise raw material for diamond films

From a story found here: http://tinyurl.com/43xsw9 at the NewScientist.com news service.

Thanks for the URL. I've bookmarked the site.

Up until last Nov. I used to read the paper version of NewScientist avidly, but it was free (my former employer has for years purchased various technology magazines that were circulated among interested employees). Even science can have slightly different slants and the British view came through.

Their site also had a bit and video on "Tin Pest". One of our researchers had been working on "Tin Whisker" growth which is a different manifestation of what the Brits are calling Tin Pest. The problem is that the EU has mandated that lead not be used in making circuit board assemblies--no Lead-based solder allowed. This is big problem for US companies that sell products containing electronics globally (such as airplanes) as the alternatives are tin-based. Over time, particularly in high humidity, the tin grows whiskers that eventually reach another trace and short out the circuit board. Even conformal coating (spraying a plastic coating over the completed board) doesn't completely prevent it. There is another problem, too. It seems that the no-lead solders are much more susceptible to fatigue cracking when subjected long-term low level vibration: a definite reliability problem, especially for engine-driven vehicles.

Getting somewhat back to the subject, which seems to be weird solutions to technical problems: The Polaris missile uses a device to start its solid rocket motors that looks rather like a phallus. The pyrotechnic in it tends to absorb water, which can cause it to fizzle. When it ignites it spews flame out the end to light the main solid propellant. What do you think is used to provide a weather seal?

I'll drink to that!

Great!!! But how did they hit upon it?

Elena,

The article says they need to vaporize organic material that contains C H O , with Carbon and Oxygen present in roughly equal proportions, and a little hydrogen. They vaporize it at high heat and let the vapor crystalize on a special surface under low pressure to produce the diamond film.

Many types of alcohol have precisely what is required, so I supposed a little bit of experimenting went on.

It's controlling and 'persuading' the carbon atoms to crystalize exactly the right way that's crucial... it makes the difference whether you end up with a film of diamond or graphite, which are chemically identical, but have a different crystalline structure.

I wonder would vodka suit better?

It might be so; but would you rather burn up good vodka or a bottle ot requila, Elana?

Save your old bottles .......... They are lined with diamonds