PCD Tool Interface Structure for Stronger Diamond-Carbide Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional PCD tools face issues with reduced interface bonding strength between the cemented carbide substrate and the diamond layer due to metal catalyst migration, leading to cracking and peeling when subjected to high loads, especially in high-heat environments.

Innovation Solution

The PCD tool is produced by laminating diamond raw material powder with a predetermined Co content and WC particles on a WC-based cemented carbide substrate, then sintered in an ultra-high pressure and high temperature apparatus, with specific conditions to suppress the formation of a thick Co-rich layer and abnormal WC particle growth, enhancing interfacial bonding strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal catalyst content is increased to improve abrasion resistance and fracture resistance of PCD, then wear resistance and chipping resistance are improved, but interfacial bonding strength between PCD and cemented carbide substrate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistance and fracture resistance of PCDVSAvoidinterfacial bonding strength between PCD and cemented carbide substrate
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a Co-rich layer specifically at the interface region between the diamond layer and cemented carbide substrate, while maintaining lower Co content in the main diamond layer. This localized concentration of metal catalyst at the interface improves interfacial bonding strength without compromising the wear resistance and fracture resistance of the bulk PCD material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the Co content distribution through sintering conditions (pressure, temperature, time) to create a gradient structure. The Co content varies from high at the interface to low in the main diamond layer, optimizing both interfacial bonding and bulk mechanical properties through precise parameter control during the sintering process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If metal catalyst such as Co is used to fill gaps between diamond particles during sintering, then density and structural integrity of PCD are improved, but excessive catalyst migration causes thick Co-rich layer formation that weakens interface bonding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedensity and structural integrity of PCDVSAvoidinterface bonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing metal catalyst particles with diamond particles before sintering. This ensures uniform distribution of catalyst throughout the diamond layer, preventing excessive migration and thick Co-rich layer formation during the sintering process while still achieving adequate density and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by monitoring and adjusting sintering parameters (pressure, temperature, time) to control metal catalyst migration. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves sufficient catalyst penetration to fill gaps and densify the PCD structure while preventing excessive migration that would create weak interface bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If high load is applied to PCD tool, then cutting performance and productivity are improved, but cracks and peeling occur at the interface due to insufficient bonding strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting performance under high loadVSAvoidresistance to cracking and peeling at interface
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a layered structure consisting of the diamond layer, the Co-rich interface layer, and the cemented carbide substrate. This composite structure combines the high hardness and wear resistance of diamond with the ductility and bonding capability of the metal catalyst layer and cemented carbide, enabling the tool to withstand high loads without interface failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach improves the heat resistance, impact resistance, and service life of the PCD tool by maintaining a thin Co-rich layer and controlling WC particle growth, reducing cracking and peeling at the interface, while maintaining excellent hardness and wear resistance.

Implementation Method 1

sintered in an ultra-high pressure and high temperature apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Implementation Method 2

penetration of a metal catalyst such as Co into the diamond sintered material occurs by having the metal catalyst such as molted Co or the like move to fill the gaps between diamond particles using differential pressure as driving force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential pressure driven migration: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3378586B1Polycrystalline-diamond sintered compact tool having exceptional interface joining strength, and method for manufacturing said tool
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORP
  • EP3378586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378586B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2F
  • EP3378586B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A polycrystalline diamond sintered material tool includes: a cemented carbide substrate (17), which is mainly composed of WC and includes Co; and a diamond layer (18) containing a metal catalyst made of Co provided on the cemented carbide substrate (17). The average layer thickness of a Co rich layer (19) formed in an interface between the cemented carbide substrate (17) and the diamond layer (18) is 30 µm or less. Preferably, a value of CMAX/CDIA is 2 or less when CDIA is defined as an average content of Co included in the diamond layer (18) and CMAX is defined as a peak value of a Co content in the Co rich layer (19). More preferably, a value of D/Do is less than 2 when D is defined as average grain size of WC particles in a region from the interface between the cemented carbide substrate (17) and the diamond layer (18) to 50 µm toward an inside of the cemented carbide substrate (17); and Do is defined as an average grain size of WC particles in the inside of the cemented carbide substrate (17).