Thermally stable ultra-hard compact constructions of this invention comprise an ultra-hard material body that includes a thermally stable region positioned adjacent a surface of the body. The thermally stable region is formed from consolidated materials that are thermally stable at temperatures greater than about 750° C. The thermally stable region can occupy a partial portion of or the entire ultra-hard material body. The ultra-hard material body can comprise a composite of separate ultra-hard material elements that each form different regions of the body, at least one of the regions being thermally stable. The ultra-hard material body is attached to a desired substrate, an intermediate material is interposed between the body and the substrate, and the intermediate material joins the substrate and body together by high pressure/high temperature process.

Thermally stable ultra-hard material compact constructions

Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts ("PDCs") and methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond tables and PDCs in a manner that facilitates removal of metal-solvent catalyst used in the manufacture of polycrystalline diamond tables of such PDCs. In an embodiment, sacrificial particles may be mixed with diamond particles that facilitate removal of the metal- solvent catalyst from the sintered polycrystalline diamond table during leaching.

Polycrystalline diamond compacts, and related methods and applications

Embodiments of the present invention relate to diamond-silicon carbide composites, superabrasive compacts including such diamond-silicon carbide composites, and methods of fabricating such diamond-silicon carbide composites and superabrasive compacts. In one embodiment, a superabrasive compact includes a substrate and a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. The superabrasive table comprises diamond-silicon carbide composite including a matrix comprising nanometer-sized silicon carbide grains and micrometer-sized diamond grains dispersed through the matrix. In another embodiment, a method of fabricating a superabrasive compact is disclosed. An assembly comprising a mixture including diamond particles and silicon is formed. The silicon comprises amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon crystallized from amorphous silicon formed by a milling process, or combinations thereof. A substrate is positioned in proximity to the mixture. The assembly is subjected to heat and pressure to form a superabrasive compact comprising a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. The superabrasive table comprises diamond-silicon carbide composite including diamond grains dispersed through a matrix of silicon carbide grains.

Superabrasive compact including diamond-silicon carbide composite, methods of fabrication thereof, and applications therefor

Methods of manufacturing a superabrasive element and/or compact are disclosed. In one embodiment, a superabrasive volume including a tungsten carbide layer may be formed. Polycrystalline diamond elements and/or compacts are disclosed. Rotary drill bits for drilling a subterranean formation and including at least one superabrasive element and/or compact are also disclosed.

Superabrasive elements, methods of manufacturing, and drill bits including same

Thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond materials of this invention comprise a first phase including a plurality of bonded together diamond crystals, and a second phase including a reaction product formed between a binder/catalyst material and a material reactive with the binder/catalyst material. The reaction product is disposed within interstitial regions of the polycrystalline diamond material that exists between the bonded diamond crystals. The first and second phases are formed during a single high pressure/high temperature process condition. The reaction product has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is relatively closer to that of the bonded together diamond crystals than that of the binder/catalyst material, thereby providing an improved degree of thermal stability to the polycrystalline diamond material.

Thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond materials and compacts

A composite component suitable for high temperature applications which includes a composite compact that is thermally stable at temperatures up to 1200° C., the composite compact including a thin layer of metal bonded directly to a polycrystalline table in a HP/HT press, and a metallic substrate joined to the thin layer of metal by a high strength braze joint. The method of fabrication includes the steps of: placing a high temperature braze filler metal on the upper surface of the substrate and in contact with the thin layer of metal; applying heat through the table to melt the filler metal and accomplish the high strength joint between the substrate and the thin layer of metal; and cooling the substrate by conducting heat from all but the upper surface thereof.

Robert H. Frushour

Papers

High strength composite component and method of fabrication