Microstructure and mechanical properties of a novel Cu-Fe based matrix for diamond segments

With the purpose of reducing the cobalt content in diamond tools, Cu-Fe based matrixes were prepared by vacuum and pressure-assisted sintering under a pressure of 13 MPa at 740 °C, 780 °C and 820 °C. The effects of sintering temperature on microstructures and mechanical properties of the sintered matrix were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, electron probe micro-analyzer, and universal mechanical and digital hardness tester. Results showed that microstructures of the sintered matrix were refined; porosities in the sintered matrix became spherical-like with the increase of the sintering temperature. Densification, hardness and yield strength of the matrix sintered at 820 °C were 12.75 %, 2.72 % and 156.38 % higher than that of the matrix sintered at 740 °C, respectively. The sintered microstructures refinement and the dispersed distribution of Co-Cr pre-alloyed powders contributed the hardness and the yield strength improvement to the Cu-Fe based matrix for diamond segments.