COMBINED FIELD ASSISTED SINTERING TECHNIQUES AND HTHP SINTERING TECHNIQUES FOR FORMING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS AND EARTH-BORING TOOLS, AND SINTERING SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING SUCH METHODS

摘要

Methods of forming noncrystalline diamond compacts include employing field assisted sintering techniques with high temperature and high pressure sintering techniques. For example, a particle mixture that includes diamond particles may be sintered by subjecting the particle mixture to a high temperature and high pressure sintering cycle, and pulsing direct electrical current through the particle mixture during at least a portion of the high temperature and high pressure sintering cycle. The polycrystal!ine diamond compacts may be used to form cutting elements for earth-boring tools. Sintering systems are configured to perform such sintering processes.