Development of a Next Generation of Diamond Tools Based on Superhard Materials with a Nanomodified Binder for Steel and Cast Iron Machining

The possibility of using binders of the Next100 type alloyed with nickel and modified with WC, ZrO2, and hBN nanoparticles for fabricating a cutting tool based on superhard materials and intended for steel and cast iron machining is shown. It is established that alloying the binder with nickel makes it possible to increase its impact viscosity by a factor of 2.5 and substantially improve the resistance of tool segments during operation. An increase in binder strength by 100-150 MPa and hardness by 5-7 HRB is provided due to the introduction of WC, ZrO2, and hBN into it. The adhesion of cubic boron nitride to a binder increases in the presence of WC nanoparticles. The optimal ratio of diamond single crystals and cubic boron nitride in a working layer, at which maximal service characteristics of the tool are attained, is determined to be 75: 25. The formation of nanoclusters of amorphous boron at the interface of cubic boron nitride and a binder and dissolution of a small amount of nitrogen in binder components during hot compaction are revealed.