Fracture Strength of SiC-Diamond Composite Microcantilevers

Author(s):

Daniel Magagnosc

Abstract:

Silicon carbide (SiC)-diamond composites offer a combination of high hardness and fracture toughness with improved processability via reaction bonding. However, the inclusion of high diamond fractions creates new challenges in evaluating the mechanical properties by restricting sample machining methods. To circumvent some of these challenges, femtosecond laser micromachining is employed to fabricate microcantilevers. Using the microcantilevers, the fracture strength and fracture processes are examined. The mechanical testing results suggest that a strong bond is formed between the diamond particles and surrounding matrix. As a result, the fracture properties are comparable to monolithic diamond.