Co(1-x)Mg(x)MoO4 compounds for pressure indicators

Two Co(1-x)Mg(x)MoO(4) oxide compositions (x=0 and x=0.4) were investigated as potential pressure indicators. The first order phase half-transition induced by pressure application from the β to the α form, i.e. from the high temperature/low pressure form to the high pressure/low temperature form, was studied thanks to the powder diffuse reflection (color) evolution versus the applied pressure. Three key parameters were analyzed: (i) the magnesium content, (ii) the powder grain sizes, (iii) the pressure application mode (uniaxial or isostatical). It was shown these three parameters allow tuning the transition pressure in a wide range from few bars to few kbars.