Impact of Ce2O3 on microstructure and properties of matrix-body for PDC drill bits synthesized via pressureless melt infiltration. Issue 18 (15th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Xinjun; Zhang, Zhengfu; Li, Xiulan; Zhang, Xudong; Li, Yuxi; Chen, Manjiao
• Is Part Of: Ceramics international. Volume 48:Issue 18(2022)
• Page Start: 26945
• Page End: 26953
• Publication Date: 2022-09-15
• Subjects: WC -- Ce2O3 -- Microstructure -- Pressureless melt infiltration -- Mechanical properties; Ceramics -- Periodicals; Céramique industrielle -- Périodiques; Ceramics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-8842

Abstract

Abstract: The materials of matrix-body polycrystalline diamond composite (PDC) bits were fabricated through pressureless melt infiltration method at 1200 °C for 1 h within vacuum furnace using molten CuNi metallic binder, Ni and WC powders (including cast WC, spherical WC, and fine WC). Various weight ratios of Ce2 O3 /(WC + Ni + CuNi) ranging from 0 to 0.01 were added to matrix-body materials. The influence of Ce2 O3 on the microstructure, phase formation, phase transformations, and related mechanical properties of matrix-body materials was thoroughly investigated. The results show that experimental temperature led to the decomposition of WC and partial dissolution of W and C in CuNi binder alloys. In matrix-body materials with no Ce2 O3 addition, only new W2 C phase was formed. With further increase in Ce2 O3 /(WC + Ni + CuNi) ratios, spherical WC was dispersed into smaller WC particles. Meanwhile, new phases (namely Ni2 W4 C, C, and W2 C) were found. The material exhibited an optimal hardness (HRA = 93.7) and transverse rupture strength (1846.8 MPa) when Ce2 O3 /(WC + Ni + CuNi) ratio was 0.006. However, impact toughness was slightly decreased, while the highest value of 6.45 J cm −2 was measured for the sample with Ce2 O3 /(WC + Ni + CuNi) ratio of 0.01.