Earth-boring tools comprising silicon carbide composite materials, and methods of forming same

US8074750B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Baker Hughes Holdings LLC · US

Inventors

• Heeman Choe · Conroe, US
• John H. Stevens · Palo Alto, US
• James L. Overstreet · Tomball, US
• Jimmy W. Eason · Diemelstraße, US
• James C. Westhoff · Diemelstraße, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 3, 2010
• Grant date: Dec 13, 2011
• Expiry date: Sep 3, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C22C1/1047
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Earth-boring tools for drilling subterranean formations include a particle-matrix composite material comprising a plurality of silicon carbide particles dispersed throughout a matrix material, such as, for example, an aluminum or aluminum-based alloy. In some embodiments, the silicon carbide particles comprise an ABC-SiC material. Methods of manufacturing such tools include providing a plurality of silicon carbide particles within a matrix material. Optionally, the silicon carbide particles may comprise ABC-SiC material, and the ABC-SiC material may be toughened to increase a fracture toughness exhibited by the ABC-SiC material. In some methods, at least one of an infiltration process and a powder compaction and consolidation process may be employed.