A powerful duo: Diamond and ceramic
Diamond is a material with outstanding features: It is extraordinarily hard, conducts heat well and is practically inert to chemical substances. Ceramics - particularly high - performance ceramics - are likewise able to demonstrate special qualities: It is robust and withstands extreme temperatures. Scientists from four Fraunhofer institutes, together with partners from industry, succeeded in producing a new composite material and in making it useable for applications. The composite material, 'diamond-coated ceramics DiaCer(R),' combines the best of both materials. Any place where components and tools are subjected to heavy strain - such as in pumps or forming and shaping dies - DiaCer(R) offers maximum wear-resistance coupled with low values of friction. In recognition of their achievement, the interdisciplinary team is bestowed the Stifterverband Award for Science...