Optimisation of toroidal ZTA anvils and gaskets; towards improved load and pressure performance

We have modified zirconia-toughened alumina anvil geometry and systematically varied single-toroidal, encapsulated, Ti–Zr gasket dimensions, exploring the resulting effects on pressure and maximum load performance, which have been measured using a Paris–Edinburgh press. Reducing the curvature and depth of the recess at the rear of the anvil appears to permit repeated use of the anvils to higher loads, and a general trend indicates that thinner Ti–Zr gaskets may achieve higher pressures than thicker alternatives.