Superabrasive elements and methods for processing and manufacturing the same using protective layers

摘要

An exemplary method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element is disclosed. According to the method, a protective layer may be formed over only a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element. The polycrystalline diamond element may include a polycrystalline diamond table. At least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element may be exposed to a leaching solution such that the leaching solution contacts an exposed surface region of the polycrystalline diamond table and at least a portion of the protective layer. The protective layer may be substantially impermeable to the leaching solution. An exemplary method of manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond element is also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond element, the method comprising:
forming a protective layer over a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element during sintering of a polycrystalline diamond table of the polycrystalline diamond element; exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element to a leaching solution such that the leaching solution contacts an exposed surface region of the polycrystalline diamond table and at least a portion of the protective layer; wherein the protective layer is substantially impermeable to the leaching solution.