CVD Diamond Fibre Composites
We are investigating whether it is possible to fabricate diamond fibre matrix composite materials for possible use in advanced aerospace applications. The diamond fibres are made as described previously, and photos can be seen on the SEM photos page.
Metal Matrix Composites
We have made a number of metal matrix composites using these diamond fibres as reinforcing agents. The SEM photos below show various pictures at increasing magnification of a Ti-alloy metal matrix composite, reinforced with a number of diamond-coated Textron (SiC) fibres.
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Plastic Composites
We have recently made a number of plastic composites reinforced with diamond fibres. The plastic chosen was perspex (PMMA) since this was easily made in the lab, was transparent, and had a Young's modulus significantly smaller than that of the dimaond fibres. We found that only 1% volume fraction of diamond fibres would increase the Young's modulus of the composite bar by a factor of 6!
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The world's first plastic (PMMA) composite reinforced with about 100 diamond fibres. Actual size is 100x20x5 mm. |
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Side view of another PMMA composite, with 2 layers of diamond fibre reinforcement. |