Microstructure and Wear of a Cu-Si-B Alloy and Diamond Composites Obtained in High Pressure and High Temperature Conditions

Abstract

Cu-Si-B alloys are a new generation of metal matrix for producing composites incorporated with diamonds for cutting tools. These alloys have been developed as a special matrix in order to improve the thermal properties of the diamond composites used in machining tool bits. Despite the industrial interest, not much has been reported on this type of composite matrix. In this work, samples of Cu-Si-B alloys were processed at high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) sintering conditions. The microstructure changes that occurred were evaluated. Microstructural aspects were observed by SEM. Compounds formed during sintering were studied by EDS. Wear tests were performed in sintered diamond particle incorporated composites. The results revealed significant advantages of Cu-Si-B alloy as matrix for these composites.