| abstract |
Diamond composites comprising diamond particles bound in a ceramic matrix are disclosed. The diamond particles preferably have a particle size of less than 100 micron. The diamond composites contain less than 70 % by volume of the diamond particles. The composites can be formed by densifying mixtures of the diamond particles and a ceramic powder at elevated temperatures and pressures of less than 200 MPa. The ceramic may be an oxide or non-oxide ceramic other than silicon carbide. Included within the scope of the term oxide ceramic are all materials containing oxygen which behave as ceramics at elevated temperatures especially those oxides of elements having an atomic number greater than 11. The term non-oxide ceramic includes all materials containing carbon, nitrogen, boron or a combination thereof that behave as a ceramic at elevated temperatures. Ceramics exemplified include aluminium nitride, chromium carbide, alumina, yttria/zirconia, cordierite (2MgO.2Al2?O3?.5SiO2?) and mullite (3Al2?O3?.2SiO2?). The composites can be used in making abrading wheels and gemstone polishing scaifes. |