Device for generating high pressures and temperatures

A device for generating high pressures and temperatures, in which in the pressure chamber of a high strength metallic pressure container, a charge of material laterally surrounded by electrically insulating material by means of two piston rams movable in opposite direction with regard to each other and sealed relative to the pressure container is subjected to pressure while being electrically heated. The pressure container comprises at least two axially aligned metallic ring members of high strength hard metal which define a pressure chamber, while between the rings and between the rings and a matrix surrounding the rings, pressure resistant electrically insulating material is provided. Outside the pressure chamber, sealing means of plastically deformable strong metallic material are provided between the piston rams and the rings.