Patent ID: 8066937
Filing Date: 2011-11-29
Classification: C22C,H01L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a composite structure consisting essentially of a metal matrix having diamond particles dispersed therein, and wherein said diamond particles are characterized by the presence thereon of a surface layer of SiC chemically bonded thereto, comprising the steps of: contacting the surface of said diamond particles with a source of Si under conditions whereby the Si is chemically reacted with C comprising the surface of the diamond particles, thereby forming said surface layer of SiC bonded to said diamond particles; assembling a plurality of said diamond particles in an array; and encapsulating the particles of said array with said metal in a molten state whereby the particles of said array bearing the surface layer of SiC are dispersed in a matrix of said metal when the molten metal hardens upon cooling to the solid state, wherein the surface layer of SiC is formed on said diamond particles by contacting said diamond particles with the source of Si prior to assembling said particles in said array, and wherein the Si that contacts the diamond particles includes Si powder.