Polycrystalline diamond constructions having improved thermal stability

摘要

Polycrystalline diamond constructions include a diamond body (10) comprising a matrix phase of bonded together diamond crystals (12) formed at high pressure/high temperature conditions with a catalyst material. The sintered body is treated remove the catalyst material disposed within interstitial regions, rendering it substantially free of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the body. Accelerating techniques can be used to remove the catalyst material. The body includes an infiltrant material (14) disposed within interstitial regions in a first region of the construction. The body includes a second region adjacent the working surface and that is substantially free of the infiltrant material (14). The infiltrant material (14) can be a Group VIII material not used to initially sinter the diamond body (10). A metallic substrate is attached to the diamond body (10), and can be the same or different from a substrate used as a source of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the diamond body (10). Drilling bits or cutting elements comprising these polycrystalline diamond constructions are also claimed.