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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
The problem of nanotube growth macrokinetics is viewed within the framework of the continuum surface diffusion equation combined with step-flow growth kinetics. The differences in incorporation rates of adatoms approaching the growth steps from “upper” or lower" terraces are taken into account. These differences can lead to the onset of surface island nucleation in front of a propagating step. This effect is able to cause formation of defects in the growing layer and even to inhibit stable step-flow modes of nanotube growth. The segregation effect of a second phase (BN) in front of the propagating of C layer step is considered, suggesting that it may cause increase in BN concentration and nucleation of islands leading to BN inclusions in C layers or the propagation of a BN layer over C layer.