Sintering of diamond composites with SHS-prepared bonding phases

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 Ti3SiC2 and Cr3AlC 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°C 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 Cr2AlC 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 (Ti3SiC2 and Cr3AlC) obtained by SHS sythesis.