DIAMOND FIBER METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

Solid and hollow diamond fibres have been manufactured by chemical vap our deposition (CVD) on to tungsten wires and coils. The fibres were c oated with metal matrices by sputter deposition. The matrices were Cu, Al, and ri-alloy. The coated fibres were then consolidated by hot pre ssing to metal-matrix composites, The properties of the composites are compared with current composites. Copper and aluminium composites hav e potential for high stiffness thermal conductors, and Al and Ti-alloy are attractive light-weight high stiffness materials for aerospace ap plications. In combination with hollow fibres, lower density and highe r compressive stiffness are expected. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.