METHODS OF FORMING CUTTING ELEMENTS BY OXIDIZING METAL IN INTERSTITIAL SPACES IN POLYCRYSTALLINE MATERIAL

摘要

Methods of forming a cutting element include disposing a volume of polycrystalline material adjacent a liquid electrolytic solution and applying an electrical between the polycrystalline material and a cathode in contact with the liquid electrolytic solution to increase an oxidation state of the metal catalyst material. The polycrystalline material includes interbonded grains of hard material and metal catalyst particles in the interstitial spaces between adjacent grains of hard material. Some methods include forming a barrier over a portion of a surface of a volume of polycrystalline material.

主权项

1. A method of forming a cutting element, comprising:
disposing a volume of polycrystalline material adjacent a liquid electrolytic solution, the volume of polycrystalline material comprising interbonded grains of hard material and metal catalyst material in interstitial spaces between adjacent grains of hard material; applying an electrical potential between the volume of polycrystalline material and a cathode in electrical contact with the liquid electrolytic solution to increase an oxidation state of the metal catalyst material.