Abstract Filamentous substrates are coated with diamond by a chemical vapor deposin process. The substrate may then be etched away to form a diamond filament. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is copper-coated graphite. The copper initially passivates the graphite, permitting diamond nucleation thereon. As deposition continues, the copper-coated graphite is etched away by the active hydrogen used in the deposition process. As a result a substrateless diamond tubule is formed. Diamond-coated and diamond filaments are useful as reinforcement materials for composites, as filtration media in chemical and purification processes, in biomedical applications as probes and medicinal dispensers, and in such esoteric areas as chaff media for jamming RF frequencies.
A substrate-less, self-supporting tube consisting essentially of diamond and having an outer diameter of about 5 μm to about 200 μm, said tube being of essentially uniform outer diameter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
A substrate-less, self-supporting tube consisting essentially of diamond and having an outer diameter of about 5 μm to about 200 μm, said tube being of essentially uniform outer diameter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A solid, self-supporting, substrate-less non-hollow filament consisting essentially of diamond and having a outer diameter of about 5 μm to about 200 μm, said filament being of essentially uniform outer diameter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A solid, self-supporting, substrate-less non-hollow filament consisting essentially of diamond and having a outer diameter of about 5 μm to about 200 μm, said filament being of essentially uniform outer diameter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tube of claim 1, said diamond tube having an essentially smooth inner surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A tube according to claims 1 which is essentially free of pores and holes.