Effects of Ni-Cr-Mo-Si-B prealloy additives on the properties of Fe-based diamond composites

In this study, Fe-based diamond composites with various Ni-Cr-Mo-Si-B prealloy additives were prepared using hot-press sintering, and the effects of the Ni-Cr-Mo-Si-B content on the relative density, bending strength, Rockwell hardness, and frictional wear properties of the Fe-Cu-Co-Sn matrix were investigated. Additionally, the effect of the composition of the Ni-Cr-Mo-Si-B additives on the interface between the matrix and diamond was studied. The Ni and Cr in the additives facilitated a tight bonding interface without notable gaps between the diamond and Fe-Cu-Co-Sn matrix. Considering the overall performance of the materials, the optimal addition of Ni-Cr-Mo-Si-B was determined to be 10 %, which resulted in notably improved comprehensive performance indicators of the Fe-based diamond composite materials. For example, diamond drill bits made with this formulation exhibited a wear ratio of 1600 mm/g and a penetration rate of 29.21 mm/min, representing increases of 29 % and 44.96 %, respectively, compared to those of drill bits without Ni-Cr-Mo-Si-B additives. Developing high-performance diamond drill bits with increased ROP and extended service lives to enhanced performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in drilling operations across different industries, ranging from mining and construction to oil and gas exploration.