| abstract |
An object of the present invention is to provide adhesion or bonding to a matrix in relation to a composite material which is reinforced with vapor-deposited diamond. In order to improve bondability to the matrix, hydrogen is removed from the surface of vapor-deposited diamond fiber. For the removal of hydrogen, the diamond is heated under an oxidative atmosphere at a temperature of about 150°C to about 800°C, or under a non-oxidative atmosphere at a temperature of about 800°C to about 1500°C. The surface of the vapor-deposited diamond containing not more than about 1 x 10¹⁵/cm² of hydrogen atoms is bonded to the matrix of resin or a metal with sufficient strength. In order to improve bondability to the matrix (1), the surface of diamond (2) is coated with Al, Si or B, or a carbide or a nitride thereof (3). In order to reinforce bondability, diamond doped with B or N is employed as a reinforcing material. The matrix (1) is prepared from a metal, ceramics or resin. |