The phase relationships of TiO2 polymorphs
are of significance
to the field of earth and planetary science, because these phases
are crucial geochemical markers of natural shock occurrences and processes
that take place in the crust and mantle of planets. In this study,
we use a novel method called the laser-induced projectile impact testing
(LIPIT) technique to investigate the shock metamorphism of TiO2 polymorphs by controlled supersonic impacts of microparticles.
The 3D digital microscope, synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), focused
ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM), transmission electron
microscopy (TEM), and density functional theory calculations are used
to investigate and interpret the phase transformations of shocked
anatase. The synchrotron XRD and TEM investigations of the impact
region show the phase transformation of anatase to rutile, brookite,
srilankite, and amorphous TiO2 phase. According to the
impact calculation, the shocked regions experienced a high pressure
up to 2.1 GPa and high temperatures up to 986 °C. The shock waves
created by impacts are attributed to shock-induced phase changes and
lattice dynamic instability. The twinned rutile nanocrystals at the
impact area have planar defects following {011} planes that formed
under intense pressure or stress. The shearing on the rutile {011}
planes can produce the epitaxial nucleation of srilankite at the rutile
twin boundary. The methodology of the study, which combines LIPIT
microprojectile experiments with simulations and characterization
techniques, can help us better understand shock metamorphism in minerals
and rocks. It will be helpful for expanding our understanding of the
process by which shock metamorphism occurs on planetary bodies, including
the Earth, Moon, Mars, and others.