Novel approaches in manufacturing of multicomponent metallic binders for diamond cutting tools

Abstract

In this study, three approaches for the diamond cutting tool binder improvement are shown. They allow to reinforce the binders and enhance their wear resistance, thus making diamond grain retention in the working layer of the tool more reliable. Mechanical alloying methos was used to obtain a homogeneous and nanocrystalline structure of the powder binders. It increases the bending strength of iron- and copper-based binders by 60-100 %, to 2500 and 1200 MPa, respectively. The positive effects achieved by adding different types of nanoparticles are summed up during hybrid modification of the binders. It has been verified, both theoretically and experimentally, that hybrid modification with WC and hBN nanoparticles, as well as carbon nanotubes, simultaneously increases binder strength by 20% and improves binder wear resistance during machining of abrasive materials threefold. Doping iron-based binders with adhesively active elements (titanium, chromium, etc.) enhances the diamond retention capacity due to formation of carbide interlayers at the metal–binder interface.