Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond and polycrystalline diamond compacts

摘要

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of forming polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”), wherein the PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table in which at least one Group VIII metal is at least partially alloyed with phosphorus and/or at least one other alloying element to improve the thermal stability of the PCD table. The disclosed PDCs may be used in a variety of applications, such as rotary drill bits, machining equipment, and other articles and apparatuses.

主权项

1. A method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact, the method comprising:
providing a polycrystalline diamond compact including a polycrystalline diamond table bonded to an interfacial surface of a substrate, the polycrystalline diamond table including an upper surface remote from the interfacial surface of the substrate and at least one lateral surface extending between the upper surface of the polycrystalline diamond table and the interfacial surface of the substrate, wherein the polycrystalline diamond table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions, at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions including at least one Group VIII metal disposed therein; positioning one or more alloying materials adjacent to at least a portion the upper surface of the polycrystalline diamond table to form an assembly, wherein the one or more alloying materials includes phosphorus; subjecting the assembly to an inert environment; and while the assembly is subjected to the inert environment, heating the assembly to an effective temperature and for an effective time to alloy at least some of the at least one Group VIII metal with the one or more alloying materials.