The paper presents mechanical properties of materials used as matrices in diamond impregnated tools. Several powder metallurgy materials were manufactured by the hot press process from various combinations of cobalt (Co SMS, Co Extrafine, Co 400mesh), carbonyl iron (Fe CN) and tungsten (WP30) powders. After consolidation the specimens were tested for density, hardness and tensile properties. The fracture surfaces and materials’ microstructure were observed using the Jeol JSM- 5400 scanning electron microscope and the Leica DM4000 light microscope. The main objective of the work was to determine the effects of the mean particle size of cobalt as well as additions of iron and tungsten on properties of the as-consolidated material.

The main objective of the present work is to characterise the microstructure and mechanical properties of a new iron-base material which has been recently gaining ground in the manufacture of diamond impregnated tools as an economical substitute for cobalt and cobalt alloys. Its density, hardness and yield test properties have been directly compared to those of hot pressed Cobalt Extra Fine (CoEF) powder. It has been shown that the raw iron-663 bronze powder mix can be consolidated to a virtually pore-free condition by hot pressing at 880°C. Although the as-consolidated material is inferior to cobalt, it displays a favourable combination of hardness, yield strength and ductility, and seems to have a great potential for moderate and general purpose applications.

This paper deals with computer modelling of the retention of a synthetic diamond particle in a metallic matrix produced by powder metallurgy. The analyzed sintered powders can be used as matrices for diamond impregnated tools. First, the behaviour of sintered cobalt powder was analyzed. The model of a diamond particle embedded in a metallic matrix was created using Abaqus software. The preliminary analysis was performed to determine the mechanical parameters that are independent of the shape of the crystal. The calculation results were compared with the experimental data. Next, sintered specimens obtained from two commercially available powder mixtures were studied. The aim of the investigations was to determine the influence of the mechanical and thermal parameters of the matrix materials on their retentive properties. The analysis indicated the mechanical parameters that are responsible for the retention of diamond particles in a matrix. These mechanical variables have been: the elastic energy of particle, the elastic energy of matrix and the radius of plastic zone around particle.

This paper discusses the mechanical properties of a material fabricated from commercially available metal powder mixtures designed for use as a metal matrix of diamond impregnated composites. The mixtures with the catalogue numbers CSA and CSA800 provided by a Chinese producer are suitable for experimental laboratory testing. The specimens were fabricated in a graphite mould using hot pressing. The material was tested for density, porosity, hardness, and tensile strength under static loading. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the microstructure and cleavage fracture of broken specimens. It was essential to determine how the chemical composition and the fabrication process affected the microstructure and properties of the material. The properties of the sinters were compared with those of hot pressed specimens fabricated from sub-micron size cobalt powder (Cobalt SMS). Although the as-consolidated material is inferior to cobalt, it displays a favourable combination of hardness, yield strength and ductility, and seems to have a great potential for moderate and general purpose applications.