High-pressure effect on elastic properties, mechanical stability and microhardness of ZnTe

Based on a pseudopotential approach, the high-pressure dependence of the elastic properties and microhardness of ZnTe has been investigated. Our results are generally accordant with the available experimental data. Most features of interest are found to vary monotonously with raising pressure. The material in question is found to be mechanically stable for all pressures in the interval 0-80 kbar. Its resistance to deflections or deformations, rigidity, and hardness is augmented upon compression. The calculated Poisson ratio at various pressures implies the brittle manner behavior of ZnTe.