The quality of synthetic diamonds: when research supports quality control
In the field of abrasives for the processing of stone and composite materials, synthetic diamond powder is a key raw material that determines the ability to cut, grind, and polish with precision.
At first glance, it is difficult to assess the actual quality of the material because batches with the same grain size, color, and declared specifications can exhibit significant differences.
This issue led to a research project and later on to the publication of the scientific article “Characterization of synthetic yellow diamonds used in the cutting and polishing industry”, published in July 2025 in the journal Diamond and Related Materials.
The goal of Abra Iride, in collaboration with a team of researchers from the University of Lyon and other Italian and French partners, was to develop an advanced quality control method for specific cases, thereby supporting the regular in-house quality control.
Read the full article on Science Direct
Inside the material
The study considers four batches of synthetic diamonds with the same average grain size but different mechanical properties and industrial applications.
Using techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing, the researchers identified significant variations in batch quality related to crystal morphology and the presence of trace elements (such as iron, aluminum, and chromium), which influence the growth and strength of the diamond during synthesis.
Some batches, although nominally similar, exhibited markedly different performance, linked to crystal purity and thermal stability at high temperatures.
From research to quality control in the company
This collaboration also had a direct impact on Abra Iride’s internal knowledge. The company was able to correlate the physico-chemical characteristics of the diamonds with the mechanical tests regularly performed as part of its quality control process.
For years, Abra Iride has been able to internally characterize the quality of synthetic diamonds through mechanical testing, identifying any defects or nonconformities. This study will further improve the precision and understanding of the incoming raw material, ensuring consistent quality standards throughout the entire production process.
A project shared with the academic world
The research also involved four master’s students, three French and one Italian, who dedicated their theses to studying this real-world case, helping to build a knowledge base valuable to both research and industry.
A step forward for quality
This project is a concrete example of collaboration between industry and academia, where science becomes a tool for improvement rather than something confined to the laboratory.
For Abra Iride, it means being able to rely on an even more rigorous quality control process, when needed, and offering the market more stable, reliable, and consistent-performing abrasives.
