Improvement in Hardness and Wear Behaviour of Iron-Based Mn-Cu-Sn Matrix for Sintered Diamond Tools by Dispersion Strengthening.

Elżbieta Cygan-Bączek,Piotr Bała,Sławomir Cygan,Andrzej Romański,Piotr Wyżga

doi:10.3390/ma14071774

Abstract

The work presents the possibility of fabricating materials for use as a matrix in sintered metallic-diamond tools with increased mechanical properties and abrasion wear resistance. In this study, the effect of micro-sized SiC, Al2O3, and ZrO2 additives on the wear behaviour of dispersion-strengthened metal-matrix composites was investigated. The development of metal-matrix composites (based on Fe–Mn–Cu–Sn–C) reinforced with micro-sized particles is a new approach to the substitution of critical raw materials commonly used for the matrix in sintered diamond-impregnated tools used for the machining of abrasive stone and concrete. The composites were prepared using spark plasma sintering (SPS). Apparent density, microstructural features, phase composition, Young’s modulus, hardness, and abrasion wear resistance were determined. An increase in the hardness and wear resistance of the dispersion-strengthened composites as compared to the base material (Fe–Mn–Cu–Sn–C) and the commercial alloy Co-20% WC provides metallic-diamond tools with high-performance properties.

Highlights

The matrix material is a crucial element in constructing a metallic-diamond tool
The loss of weight was measured for the use of a light microscope, the samples were etched with 2% Nital
The maps were made in 50 nm steps

Summary

Introduction

Its role is to hold the diamond particles during the operation of the tool and wear at a rate appropriate to the diamond particles’ wear rate to guarantee the exposure of new sharp edges of the diamond and maintain cutting capabilities. The essential matrix components in impregnated diamond tools for cutting, drilling, and grinding natural stones, concrete, and reinforced concrete are cobalt and its alloys, mainly due to excellent retention properties with diamond crystals and adequate resistance to abrasive wear. Due to their fine particle size, the powders can be consolidated at temperatures lower than 900 ◦ C under moderate pressure, and the as-consolidated materials show good impact strength and durability. Despite the relatively low cost of the raw materials, the alloyed powders’ price exceeds the price of cobalt powder by 70%

Methods

Results

Conclusion