Solid particle impact of CVD diamond films

Z. Feng, Y. Tzeng, J. E. Field

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Studies of the dynamic impact and static indentation of chemically vapour deposited (CVD) diamond films are described. Polished and unpolished CVD diamond films of thickness ∼ 6 to 15 μm, deposited on both silicon nitride and silicon substrates, were investigated. In the dynamic impact experiments, sand particles with impactvelocities of 34 m s-1 and 59 m s-1 were used. Three stages of impact damage were identified: (i) formation of ring cracks; (ii) partial debonding and penetration of the film; and (iii) full debonding and film removal. The first stage is similar to that occuring with natural diamond. However, the last stage, i.e. the material loss mechanism for CVD films, is mainly caused by delamination of the film. Examination of fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopy showed that transgranular fracture of the diamond films was quite common despite the polycrystalline nature of the films This suggests that bonding strength between diamond grains strong as that within the grains. Finally, static indentation with a tungsten carbide ball of similar size to the sand particles was performed to determine the fracture strength of polished CVD diamond film and to make a comparison with the impact experiments. The fracture tensile strength for CVD diamond films was found to be ∼2.8 GPa, which is much lower than the reported value of 8.6-12 GPa for natural diamonds.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-42
Number of pages8
JournalThin Solid Films
Volume212
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1992 May 15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Solid particle impact of CVD diamond films'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this