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AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsPaul D. Gigl, Bonnie M. Hammersley, David E. Slutz
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Disclosed is an improved polycrystalline compact of self-bonded diamond particles having a network of interconnected empty pores dispersed throughout. The improved porous polycrystalline diamond compact possesses enhanced oxidation resistance and comprises all of the exterior surfaces of the porous compact being enveloped with a continuous coating which is effective under metal bond fabrication conditions so that oxidation of the diamond in the compact does not exceed a threshold level whereat loss of diamond properties of the compact occurs. Metal bond fabrication conditions comprehend an atmosphere containing oxygen or water vapor. Metal coatings are preferred, especially in coating thicknesses in excess of about 8 microns, and applied by a chemical vapor deposition process.
In a tool component polycrystalline compact of self-bonded diamond particles having a network of interconnected empty pores dispersed throughout the compact, the improvement for enhancing oxidation resistance of said porous compact which comprises all of the exterior surfaces of said compact being enveloped with a continuous coating which is effective under tool metal bond fabrication conditions in the presence of oxygen or water vapor so that oxidation of diamond in said compact does not exceed that of a single crystal diamond of comparable weight processed under said fabrication conditions.
A method the improvement comprising enveloping all of the exterior surfaces of said porous polycrystalline compact with a continuous coating which is effective under tool metal bond fabrication conditions in the presence of oxygen or water vapor so that oxidation of diamond in said compact does not exceed that of a single crystal diamond of comparable weight processed under said fabrication conditions.
In a method the improvement in enhancing oxidation resistance of said porous compact under metal bond fabrication conditions in the presence of oxygen and water vapor, which comprises enveloping all of the exterior surfaces of said porous compact with a continuous coating which is effective under said tool metal bond fabrication conditions so that oxidation of diamond in said compact does not exceed a threshold level whereat loss of diamond properties of said compact occurs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.