Carbon disposed in inconel alloy metal lattices and metal lattices with high carbon loading

Abstract

Inventive techniques for forming unique compositions of matter are disclosed, as well as various advantageous physical characteristics, and associated properties of the resultant materials. In particular, metal(s) (including various alloys, such as Inconel superalloys) are characterized by having carbon disposed within the metal lattice structure thereof. The carbon is primarily, or entirely, present at interstitial sites of the metal lattice, and may be present in amounts ranging from about 15 wt % to about 90 wt %. The carbon, moreover, forms non-polar covalent bonds with both metal atoms of the lattice and other carbon atoms present in the lattice. This facilitates substantially homogeneous dispersal of the carbon throughout the resultant material, conveying unique and advantageous properties such as strength-to-weight ratio, density, mechanical toughness, sheer strength, flex strength, hardness, anti-corrosiveness, electrical and/or thermal conductivity, etc. as described herein. In some approaches, the composition of matter may be powderized, or the powder may be pelletized.