Methods of forming polycrystalline diamond cutting elements, cutting elements so formed and drill bits so equipped

A polycrystalline diamond element, comprising:

• a polycrystalline diamond compact formed using a catalyst comprising one of a Group VIII element and an alloy thereof, the polycrystalline diamond compact being substantially free of the catalyst;
• and
• a supporting substrate secured to the polycrystalline diamond compact;
• wherein the polycrystalline diamond element comprises a binder material differing at least in part from a material of the catalyst and comprising one of a Group VIII element and an alloy thereof in at least a majority of interstitial voids between diamond particles of the polycrystalline diamond compact vacated upon removal of the catalyst.

A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations, comprising:

• a body;
• structure for connection of the body to a drill string;
• at least one cutting element secured to the body for engaging a subterranean formation, the at least one cutting element comprising a polycrystalline diamond element comprising:
• a polycrystalline diamond compact formed using a catalyst comprising one of a Group VIII element and an alloy thereof, the polycrystalline diamond compact being substantially free of the catalyst;
• and
• a supporting substrate secured to the polycrystalline diamond compact;
• wherein the polycrystalline diamond element comprises a binder material differing at least in part from a material of the catalyst and comprising one of a Group VIII element and an alloy thereof in at least a majority of interstitial voids between diamond particles of the polycrystalline diamond compact vacated upon removal of the catalyst.