Re: Why is the process of converting graphite to diamond so difficult?

I do not have access to any library references on this topic.  Using the
Alta Vista search service I checked under:
synthetic diamond chemistry, synthetic diamond thermodynamics, synthetic
diamond process technology, and synthetic diamond fabrication.  None of
the hits clearly addressed the question.  The Amazon.com site only came
up with 2 books on synthetic diamonds, one being out of print. I know
that the General Electric Company is/was involved in the manufacture of
synthetic diamonds.  Their web site (www.ge.com) allows one to access
their corporate research division-ceramics lab  write up
(www.crd.ge.com/cl/).  The 1 paragraph summary of the ceramics lab
activity mentions synthetic diamond as one of the areas covered by the
lab.  I suggest that the questioner get in contact with the GE corporate
research division, or some other company involved with synthetic
diamonds.  Perhaps one of the researchers will point in the direction of
an answer.