Sintering of diamond composites with SHS-prepared bonding phases

摘要

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate materials with reduced cobalt content as well as diamond compacts with non-cobalt bounding phase. Design/methodology/approach: Phases Ti_3SiC_2 and Cr_3AlC obtained using the self-propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) technique were used as a PCD (polycrystalline diamond) bonding phases. Diamond composites with 10-20 mass% of SHS bonding phase were prepared by using a Bridgmann-type High Pressure - High Temperature (HP-HT) apparatus. Sintering of the composites were carried out at 1950±50℃ and 8±0.2 GPa. Phase compositions of MAX powders and compacts were tested using X-ray diffraction. Microstructure investigations were performed using scanning (JEOL) and transmission (Tecnai FEG 200kV) microscopes and high spation resolution EDS mapping. Findings: During the sintering processes, bonding phase decomposition processes occur in the material. Mainly carbides and silicides are formed. Diamond phase materials are characterized by multi-phase composition. Research limitations/implications: Future research in the field of reduced cobalt content composites and cobalt replaced by bonding phase with Cr_2AlC should focus on reduction of the graphite which affects on lower composite hardness. Such materials require an improvement in stress deposition. Originality/value: Due to the low thermal stability of the cobalt as a bonding phase in PCD there is a need to reduce its volume in the composite. Application of the newest non-cobalt bonding phases (Ti_3SiC_2 and Cr_3AlC) obtained by SHS sythesis.