Abstract: Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) that are less susceptible to liquid metal embrittlement damage due to the use of at least one transition layer between a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) layer and a substrate. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD layer, a cemented carbide substrate, and at least one transition layer bonded to the substrate and the PCD layer. The at least one transition layer is formulated with a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) that is less than a CTE of the substrate and greater than a CTE of the PCD layer. At least a portion of the PCD layer includes diamond grains defining interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the interstitial regions. The diamond grains and the catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams or less.

Abstract: This invention presents a high-pressure high-temperature reaction vessel having a metallized graphite heater for improved performance. The metallized heater consists of a graphite tube comprising a refractory metal. Metallization of the graphite heater is accomplished either by coating the graphite tube with a refractory metal, by intermixing a refractory metal in the graphite, or by positioning a refractory metal sheet or cylinder adjacent the graphite heater. The refractory metal constrains the graphite heater, adds toughness to the heater, shields the heater from outside contamination, and provides an electrical contact for a thermocouple.