Use of Silicon Nitride as an additive in the production of cBN compacts for cutting tools

Compositions of cutting tools based on cubic boron nitride phase added with different ceramics as binders have been the subject of several works. A major problem of these tools during machining of steel is the loss of cutting efficiency due the "chemical weathering" generated by the reaction between iron and cBN at the high temperatures reached by the machining operations. Aiming to eliminate these problems, this paper presents results on the development of composites obtained by sintering process at high pressures and high temperatures in association with a cyclic operation. Si3N4 was used as the binder agent. The compacts were analysed by x-ray diffraction as well as optical and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were evaluated by means of microhardness and fracture toughness tests. The degree of phase transformation of the Si3N4, the chemical reaction during the cyclic sintering process, and the sintering mechanism of the additive were discussed.