Diamond-Epoxy Composites

Diamond filled polymeric matrix composites are an attractive issue for wear resistant tools. The performance of these composites depends on the proper association of the hard diamond particles and the soft polymeric matrix. In the present work, the tensile strength of epoxy matrix composites filled with 10, 20, and 30 wt% diamond particles was investigated. The effect of matrix deformability, by changing the epoxy monomer to hardener ratio, on the mechanical performance of the composites was also evaluated. The results showed that the strength of the composite decreases with the amount of diamond. This behavior was attributed to the development of a weak diamond/epoxy interface, as quantitatively described by the interaction parameter of the Turcsanyi model, and qualitatively corroborated by the analysis of the fracture surfaces and by the variation of tan of the composites. The best tensile behavior was obtained when the amine rich, off-stoichiometric matrix was used.