Triphasic composite and method for making same
US6090343A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC22C2026/001
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for fabricating a triphasic composite such as a WC/Co/diamond composite with a high volume fraction of diamond in a WC/Co matrix. The method involves sintering of a WC/Co powder compact to develop a porous preform, which displays some rigidity and strength, infiltrating the porous preform with a controlled distribution of carbon, and high pressure/high temperature treatment of the carbon-containing WC/Co preform to transform the carbon to diamond. The distribution of diamond in the composite can be functionally graded to provide a WC/Co core and a diamond-enriched surface, wherein all three phases form an interconnected structure in three dimensions. Such a tricontinuous structure combines high strength and toughness with superior wear resistance, making it attractive for applications in machine tools and drill bits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.