Composite constructions with oriented microstructure

A composite construction comprising:

• a first plurality of first material phases comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polycrystalline diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, and mixtures thereof;
• and
• a second material phase surrounding each first material phase and comprising a material that is relatively softer than the first material phases, wherein the second material phases are combined with one another to form a continuous phase within the composite construction;
• wherein the first and second material phases are positioned along a working surface of the composite construction.

A bit for drilling subterranean formations comprising:

• a body having a number of blades projecting outwardly therefrom;
• a number of cutting elements attached to the blades, the cutting elements comprising a cutting surface formed from a composite construction comprising:
• a first plurality of first material phases comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polycrystalline diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, and mixtures thereof;
• and
• a second material phase surrounding each first material phase and comprising a material that is relatively softer than the first material phases, wherein the second material phases are combined with one another to form a continuous phase within the composite construction;
• wherein the first and second material phases are positioned along the cutting element cutting surface.

A method of making a composite construction comprising first and second material phases, the method comprising the steps of:

• combining one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ceramics, metals, diamond, cubic boron nitride, and mixtures thereof to form a first material phase;
• combining one or more materials to form a second material phase;
• joining together the first and second material phases so that the second material phase surrounds the first material phase;
• and
• consolidating and sintering the joined together first and second material phases at high pressure/high temperature conditions to form the composite construction;
• wherein the second material phase is relatively softer than the first material phase, and wherein the joined together first and second material phases are disposed along a working surface of the composite construction.