POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CONSTRUCTIONS HAVING OPTIMIZED MATERIAL COMPOSITION

摘要

Diamond bonded constructions include a diamond body comprising intercrystalline bonded diamond and interstitial regions. The body has a working surface and an interface surface, and may be joined to a metallic substrate. The body has a gradient diamond volume content greater about 1.5 percent, wherein the diamond content at the interface surface is less than 94 percent, and increases moving toward the working surface. The body may include a region that is substantially free of a catalyst material otherwise disposed within the body and present in a gradient amount. An additional material may be included within the body and be present in a changing amount. The body may be formed by high-pressure HPHT processing, e.g., from 6,200 MPa to 10,000 MPa, to produce a sintered body having a characteristic diamond volume fraction v. average grain size relationship distinguishable from that of diamond bonded constructions form by conventional-pressure HPHT processing.

主权项

1. A method for making a diamond construction comprising the steps of:
subjecting a volume of diamond grains to a high pressure-high temperature condition in the presence of a catalyst material to form a sintered diamond body comprising a matrix phase of intercrystalline bonded diamond and interstitial regions dispersed within the matrix phase, wherein the catalyst material is disposed within the interstitial regions and the volume content of the catalyst material changes within the body in a gradient fashion moving from a working surface to an interface surface; wherein the high pressure-high temperature process is at greater than about 6,200 MPa; and wherein the diamond volume content at the working surface is greater than about 94 percent.