Abstract:
An improved method for synthesizing superabrasive particles provides high quality industrial superabrasive particles with high yield and a narrow size distribution. The synthesis method can include forming a growth precursor of a substantially homogeneous mixture of raw material and catalyst material or layers of raw material and metal catalyst. The growth precursor can have a layer of adhesive over at least a portion thereof. A plurality of crystalline seeds can be placed in a predetermined pattern on the layer of adhesive. The growth precursor can be maintained at a temperature and pressure at which the superabrasive crystal is thermodynamically stable for a time sufficient for a desired degree of growth. Advantageously, the patterned placement of crystalline seeds and disclosed processes allow for production of various morphologies of synthetic diamonds, including octahedral and cubic diamonds, and improved growth conditions generally. As a result, the grown superabrasive particles typically have a high yield of high quality particles and a narrow distribution of particle sizes.
Abstract:
An improved method for controlling nucleation sites during superabrasive particle synthesis can provide high quality industrial superabrasive particles with high yield and a narrow size distribution. The synthesis method can include forming a raw material layer, forming a particulate catalyst layer adjacent the raw material layer, and placing crystalline seeds in a predetermined pattern at least partially in the catalyst layer or raw material layer to form a growth precursor. Alternatively, the raw material and catalyst material can be mixed to form a particulate crystal growth layer and then placing the crystalline seeds in a predetermined pattern in the growth layer. Preferably, seeds can be substantially surrounded by catalyst material. The growth precursor can be maintained at a temperature and pressure at which the superabrasive crystal is thermodynamically stable for a time sufficient for a desired degree of growth. The crystalline seeds can be placed in a predetermined pattern using a template, a transfer sheet, vacuum chuck or similar techniques. The superabrasive particles grown using the described methods typically have a high yield of high quality industrial particles and a narrow distribution of particle sizes.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for growing a synthetic diamond. The apparatus for growing a synthetic diamond comprises: a reaction area contained with a high pressure, high temperature apparatus; and a means for pulling a vacuum on the reaction area. The method for growing a synthetic diamond includes the steps of using a reaction area contained within a high pressure, high temperature apparatus; and pulling a vacuum on the reaction area.
Abstract:
An improved high pressure apparatus can include a plurality of complementary die segments. The die segments can have inner surfaces which are shaped to form a die chamber upon assembly of the die segments. A pair of anvils can be oriented such that an anvil is at each end of the die chamber. To prevent the die segments from being forced apart during movement of the anvils, force members can be connected to the die segments. The force members can apply discrete forces to the die segments sufficient to retain the die segments in substantially fixed positions relative to each other during application of force by the pair of anvils. Using such a high pressure apparatus can achieve pressures as high as 10 GPa with improved useful die life and larger reaction volumes.
Abstract:
A method for making alloy materials for use in the manufacture of synthetic diamonds, in which the alloy materials are manufactured chemically using a wet chemical method.
Abstract:
An improved method for synthesizing superabrasive particles provides high quality industrial superabrasive I-,articles with high yield and a narrow size distribution. The synthesis method includes forming a substantially homogeneous mixture of raw material and catalyst material or layers of raw material and metal catalyst. A plurality of crystalline seeds is placed in a predetermined pattern in the mixture or one of the layers to form a growth precursor. The growth precursor is maintained at a temperature and pressure at which the superabrasive crystal is thermodynamically stable for a time sufficient for a desired degree of growth. Advantageously, the patterned placement of crystalline seeds and disclosed processes allow for production of synthetic octahedral diamonds and improved growth conditions generally. As a result, the grown superabrasive particles typically have a high yield of high quality particles and a narrow distribution of particle sizes.
Abstract:
A method for producing a semiconductor diamond containing boron by the high pressure synthesis method, wherein a graphite material to be converted to the semiconductor diamond is mixed with boron or a boron compound, formed and fired, in such a way that the resultant graphite material contains a boron component uniformly dispersed therein and has an enhanced bulk density, a high purity and a reduced content of hydrogen.
Abstract:
A method for synthesizing boron doped diamond for improving the oxidation resistance of said diamond crystals includes forming a fully dense core (mixture) of graphite, catalyst/solvent metals, optional diamond seed crystals, and a source of boron. This mixture is subjected to diamond-formed high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) conditions for a time adequate for forming diamond. The thus-formed diamond product is recovered to contain boron substituted into the diamond structure. The fully dense core is substantially devoid of air/nitrogen (N) content. In one embodiment, the boron amorphous B.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a superabrasive tools and methods for making the same. In one aspect, superabrasive particles are chemically bonded to a matrix support material according to a predetermined pattern by a braze alloy that contains Cr, Mn, Si, or Al or mixtures thereof.
Abstract:
New and improved structures in tools subject to wear and attrition when engaging or engaged by work or material being worked on thereby. Synthetic diamond material is formed in situ on a select portion or portions of the surface of a hard substrate or tool support to define or cover the portion of the tool substrate adjacent the work operated on by the tool in a manner to provide a hard wear resistant work engaging surface or surfaces which offers substantially greater resistance to abrasion and frictional deterioration than the material of the substrate or tool base. In one form, the synthetic diamond material is formed on and welded to the surface of the substrate in a single operation involving the application of intense radiant energy beamed against particles of carbon which are converted to a solid synthetic diamond structure of defined shape directly against the solid substrate. In a particular form, the synthetic diamond material is formed with a cutting edge for the tool having substantially the hardness and wear resistance of diamond.