Nanostructured aluminium-diamond composites for thermal management applications

The nanostructure and morphology of Al-diamond composite material produced by pressurised liquid metal infiltration have been studied. These composites may have the potential for applications in the thermal management and electronic packaging industry. The composite samples produced by using nanosized diamond powder were examined by using advanced analytical techniques. It was demonstrated that the liquid metal infiltration technique was suitable for the production of Al-diamond composites. The samples revealed more uniform dispersion of diamond particles. Occasionally plate-shaped Al₄C₃ particles formed at the interface between Al and diamond particles were also detected. It can be suggested that these carbides may have formed in association with the ultra-thin amorphous graphite layer at the interfacial region.