Diamond-Reinforced Matrix Composites

A matrix composite includes diamond or diamond-coated inclusions. The inclusions may be particulates, platelets, whiskers or fibers. The matrix material may be, for example, a metal, a ceramic, or a polymer. These matrix composites combine the favorable structural properties of the matrix material with the unique thermal, electrical, tribological, mechanical and acoustic properties of diamond. The chemical inertness of diamond also prevents the formation of galvanic coupling between diamond or diamond-coated inclusions and metal matrices. The present invention is particularly useful when made as a lightweight composite. Typical metal matrix materials include aluminum, copper, magnesium, titanium, lead, and alloys thereof. When the composites include diamond-coated reinforcing inclusions, the coated substrate of the inclusion may be, for example, silicon carbide, tungsten, copper, graphitic carbon, or copper- coated graphite. The substrates of the inclusions may be coated with diamond, for example, by CVD.