Grain size dependence of wear resistance of polycrystalline diamond compact

Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) with different grain sizes were fabricated and the multi-physical behaviors, including mechanical-, thermal-, and magnetic performances, and the microscopic features were examined to study the grain size dependence of wear behavior while cutting dense granite. The results showed that the coarse grade PDC had higher impact resistance and fracture toughness. However, the fine grade PDC had higher cobalt content, hardness and thermal resistance. Among these properties, the wear resistance changed the same way as thermal expansion properties proving the strong correlation. Moreover, the crack network caused by thermal mismatch, and the peeling/fracture of metallic phases and diamond promoted fracture wear and played the critical roles in the wear of coarse grade PDC.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of grain size on wear behavior while cutting dense granite using polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) with different grain sizes. The results showed that coarse grade PDC had higher impact resistance and fracture toughness, while fine grade PDC had higher cobalt content, hardness and thermal resistance. The wear resistance changed in the same way as thermal expansion properties, indicating a strong correlation. Thermal mismatch-induced crack network and peeling/fracture of metallic phases and diamond played critical roles in the wear of coarse grade PDC.