Abstract: A tool head for use with a modular shank tool includes at least two preforms. Each preform of the at least two preforms is made separately from the other preform of the at least two preforms from granular materials and then put together and jointly compressed and integrally bonded.

Abstract: A method of forming a polycrystalline diamond compact includes forming a polycrystalline diamond material at a temperature and a pressure sufficient to form diamond-to-diamond bonds in the presence of a catalyst; substantially removing the catalyst from a volume of the polycrystalline diamond material from a first surface to a first leach depth; and substantially removing the catalyst from a volume of the polycrystalline diamond material from a second surface to a second, different leach depth. A polycrystalline diamond compact includes a polycrystalline diamond material having a first volume, a second volume, and a boundary between the first volume and the second volume. The first volume includes a catalyst disposed in interstitial spaces between diamond grains. The second volume is substantially free of the catalyst. The boundary's location is selected to control thermal stability and/or impact resistance.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool may include a tool body, a plurality of blades extending from the tool body, and a plurality of cutting elements coupled to the blades. The plurality of cutting elements may include one or more cutting elements having a working end of a first geometry (e.g., a pointed geometry) and one or more cutting elements having a working end of a second geometry (e.g., a planar geometry).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tunnel boring machine cutter assemblies, such as ripping and scraping cutter or tool assemblies, (collectively “cutter assemblies”), and related methods of use and manufacturing. The various embodiments of the cutter assemblies described herein may be used in tunnel boring machines (“TBMs”), earth pressure balance machines (“EPBs”), raise drilling systems, large diameter blind drilling systems, and other types of mechanical drilling and excavation systems.

Abstract: A super hard polycrystalline construction comprises a body of polycrystalline super hard material, said body having an exposed working surface, a substrate attached to the body of polycrystalline super hard material along an interface and a plurality of apertures or channels. One or more of said apertures or channels extend(s) from the exposed working surface of the body into the substrate.

Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) and methods of manufacturing such PDCs. In an embodiment, the PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table having at least a portion of a metal-solvent catalyst removed therefrom. Removing at least a portion of a metal-solvent catalyst from the PCD table may increase the porosity of the PCD table relative to a PCD table that has not been treated to remove the metal-solvent catalyst. Likewise, removing at least a portion of a metal-solvent catalyst from the PCD table may decrease the specific magnetic saturation and increase the coercivity of the PCD table relative to a PCD table that has not been treated to remove the metal-solvent catalyst.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for drilling formations in dry-drilling environments is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body rotatable about a central axis. The rotary drill bit may also include at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The at least one cutting element may have a cutting face, a cutting edge adjacent the cutting face, and a back surface opposite the cutting face. The at least one cutting element may be oriented so that a substantial portion of the cutting edge has a positive clearance angle, which may be defined by a first vector that is normal to the cutting face and a second vector that is tangential to a helical path traveled by the cutting edge during drilling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more practical hard-coated cutting tool having improved cutting performance during finishing so as to obtain a better finished surface. Provided is a hard-coated cutting tool including a tool body (7) coated with a hard coating (4) and having a cutting edge (3) formed on a ridge line intersecting a flank face (1) and a rake face (2). In the hard-coated cutting tool, the thickness h1 of the hard coating (4) on the flank face (1) side and the thickness h2 of the hard coating (4) on the rake face (2) side near the cutting edge (3) satisfies conditions 8 ?m?h1?30 ?m and 0?h2/h1?0.5 in a cross-section perpendicular to the cutting edge (3) in a range equal to or less than 0.3 times the tool diameter in the axial direction from the tip of the tool.

Abstract: Cutting elements for earth-boring tools may include a substrate and a polycrystalline superabrasive material secured to the substrate. The polycrystalline superabrasive material may include a first region including catalyst material in interstitial spaces among interbonded grains of the polycrystalline superabrasive material. A second region at least substantially free of catalyst material in the interstitial spaces among the interbonded grains of the polycrystalline superabrasive material may be located adjacent to the first region. An undulating boundary defined between the first region and the second region may extend from a longitudinal axis of the cutting element to a periphery of the cutting element.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a superabrasive volume or a superabrasive compact are disclosed. One method may comprise exposing a superabrasive volume to beta particles and detecting a quantity of scattered beta particles. Further, a boundary may be perceived between a first region and a second region of the superabrasive volume in response to detecting the quantity of scattered beta particles. In another embodiment, a boundary between a catalyst-containing region and a catalyst-diminished region of a polycrystalline diamond volume may be perceived. In a further embodiment, a boundary may be perceived between a catalyst-containing region and a catalyst-diminished region of a polycrystalline diamond compact. Additionally, a depth to which a catalyst-diminished region extends within a polycrystalline diamond volume of a polycrystalline diamond compact may be measured in response to detecting a quantity of scattered beta particles. A system configured to evaluate a superabrasive volume is disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts including a substrate having a convexly-curved interfacial surface bonded to a polycrystalline diamond table. In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate including at least one side surface and a convexly-curved interfacial surface that may, in some embodiments, extend inwardly directly from the at least one side surface to form at least one peripheral edge therebetween. The polycrystalline diamond compact further includes a polycrystalline diamond table bonded to the convexly-curved interfacial surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A cutting table includes a cutting surface, an opposing surface, a cutting table outer wall, and one or more slots. The cutting table outer wall extends from the circumference of the opposing surface to the circumference of the cutting surface. The slots extend from a portion of the cutting surface to a portion of the cutting table outer wall. The cutting table is leached to form a thermally stable cutting table. One or more slots are positioned in parallel with at least another slot in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the slots are positioned circumferentially around the cutting surface. In some embodiments, at least one slot is backfilled with a backfilling material to increase heat transfer or impact resistance. In some embodiments, the cutting table is coupled to a substrate to form a cutter. The slots are formed either after or during the formation of the cutting table.

Abstract: A high-energy treated cutter comprising a substrate having a top surface, an outer region, and an inner core and a wear resistant layer coupled to the top surface. The high-energy treatment alters the substrate's physical properties so that the inner core provides greater toughness and the outer region provides greater hardness, and greater abrasion resistance. The layer is protected prior to commencement of the treatment. In one embodiment, a cover is positioned to surround the layer and then the cutter undergoes treatment, wherein the cutter is subjected to impact forces with other cutters. In another embodiment, the cutter is positioned within a recess formed in a tray table, thereby providing protection to the layer. The cutter is secured in place via vacuum, glue, or weight. A spray nozzle applies shot material directed to the substrate of the cutter, thereby applying the impact forces to alter the substrate's properties.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact formed in an in-situ boron-doped process. The in-situ boron-doped process includes consolidating a mixture of diamond crystals and boron-containing alloy via liquid diffusion of boron into diamond crystals at a pressure greater than 5 Gpa and at a temperature greater than the melting temperature of the boron-containing alloy, typically less than about 1450° C.

Abstract: A sintered cutting element including a superabrasive layer supported on a substrate. The superabrasive layer includes superabrasive material and secondary phase, and the substrate includes a binder phase. The sintered cutting element is formed by a high temperature high pressure sintering process in which separate source elements melt and sweep first through the superabrasive layer, and then to the substrate to form the secondary phase and binder phase. The superabrasive layer is substantially free of or free of eta-phase, Co3W3C. Further, the portion of the substrate nearest the interface between the superabrasive layer and the substrate has equal or more binder phase than portions of the substrate further from the interface. In certain embodiments, the superabrasive material includes polycrystalline diamond, and the substrate includes cobalt tungsten carbide.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a polycrystalline diamond table having nanocrystalline diamond present in an amount greater than zero weight percent to about 5 weight percent of the polycrystalline diamond table. The polycrystalline diamond table including a catalyst material distributed throughout at least a portion thereof. The polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate bonded to the polycrystalline diamond table.

Abstract: A composite may generally include a substantially continuous binder phase and a first reinforcing agent cluster infiltrated by the binder phase, the first reinforcing agent cluster comprising a plurality of first reinforcing agent particles. A drill bit may include at least one cutting element for engaging a formation and a bit body, at least a portion of said drill bit being a composite that includes a substantially continuous binder phase and a first reinforcing agent cluster infiltrated by the binder phase.

Abstract: Diamond bonded construction comprise a diamond body attached to a support. In one embodiment, an initial substrate used to sinter the body is interposed between the body and support, and is thinned to less than 5 times the body thickness, or to less than the body thickness, prior to attachment to the support to relieve stress in the body. In another embodiment, the substrate is removed after sintering, and the body is attached to the support. The support has a material construction different from that of the initial substrate, wherein the initial substrate is selected for infiltration and the support for end use properties. The substrate and support include a hard material with a volume content that may be the same or different. Interfaces between the body, substrate, and/or support may be nonplanar. The body may be thermally stable, and may include a replacement material disposed therein.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDC”) includes a substrate and a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the substrate. The PCD table defines an upper surface and at least one peripheral surface. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains. The PCD table includes a first region adjacent to the substrate that includes a metallic constituent disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains thereof, and a leached second region extending inwardly from the upper surface and the at least one peripheral surface that is depleted of the metallic constituent. The leached second region exhibits a leach depth profile having a maximum leach depth that is measured from the upper surface. A leach depth of the leach depth profile decreases with lateral distance from a central axis of the PCD table and toward the at least one peripheral surface.

Abstract: A polycrystalline-diamond cutting element for a drill bit of a downhole tool. The cutting element includes a substrate and a diamond table bonded to the substrate. The diamond table includes a diamond filler with at least one leached polycrystalline diamond segment packed therein along at least one working surface thereof. The cutting element may be formed by positioning the diamond table on the substrate and bonding the diamond table onto the substrate such that the polycrystalline diamond segment is positioned along at least one working surface of the diamond table. A spark plasma sintering or double press operation may be used to bond the diamond table onto the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a cutting element is disclosed, wherein the method includes forming a substrate body, forming an intermediate layer on the substrate body, forming a diamond table, and positioning the diamond table on the intermediate layer, such that the intermediate layer is disposed between the substrate body and the diamond table. The intermediate layer has a base portion having a base height and a ring portion having a ring height HR, wherein the intermediate layer has a height HT equal to the sum of the base height and ring height. The diamond table has a cutting layer having a cutting layer diameter D1 and a cutting layer height HE and a protrusion having a protrusion diameter D2 and a protrusion height HP.

Abstract: A roof-bolt drill bit may have a forward end, a rearward end, and a rotational axis extending between the forward end and the rearward end. A cutting element for the roof-bolt drill bit may include a cutting face and a peripheral surface extending around an outer periphery of the cutting face. The cutting element may include at least one chamfer region and a peripherally extending chamfer extending from the at least one chamfer region along the outer periphery of the cutting element, a width of the at least one chamfer region being greater than a width of the peripherally extending chamfer.

Abstract: A polycrystalline compact comprises a plurality of grains of hard material and a plurality of nanoparticles disposed in interstitial spaces between the plurality of grains of hard material. The plurality of nanoparticles has a thermal conductivity less than a thermal conductivity of the plurality of grains of hard material. An earth-boring tool comprises such a polycrystalline compact. A method of forming a polycrystalline compact comprises combining a plurality of hard particles and a plurality of nanoparticles to form a mixture and sintering the mixture to form a polycrystalline hard material comprising a plurality of interbonded grains of hard material. A method of forming a cutting element comprises infiltrating interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline material with a plurality of nanoparticles. The plurality of nanoparticles have a lower thermal conductivity than the interbonded grains of hard material.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions for manufacturing downhole tools and downhole tool parts for drilling subterranean material are disclosed. A model having an external peripheral shape of a downhole tool or tool part is fabricated. Mold material is applied to the external periphery of the model. The mold material is permitted to harden to form a mold about the model. The model is eliminated and a composite matrix material is cast within the mold to form a finished downhole tool or tool part.

Abstract: An insert for a drill bit may include a metallic carbide body; an outer layer of polycrystalline diamond material on the outermost end of the insert, the polycrystalline diamond material comprising a plurality of interconnected first diamond grains and a first binder material in interstitial regions between the interconnected first diamond grains; and at least two transition layers between the metallic carbide body and the outer layer, the at least two transition layers comprising: an outermost transition layer comprising a composite of second diamond grains, first metal carbide or carbonitride particles, and a second binder material; and an innermost transition layer comprising a composite of third diamond grains, second metal carbide or carbonitride particles, and a third binder material wherein a thickness of the outer layer is lesser than that of each of the at least two transition layers.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond construction comprises diamond grains exhibiting inter-granular bonding and defining a plurality of interstitial regions, and a non-diamond phase at least partially filling a plurality of the interstitial regions to form non-diamond pools. The percentage of non-diamond phase in the total area of a cross-section of the body of polycrystalline diamond material is between around 0 to 5%, and the average nearest neighbour distance between grains of the non-diamond phase is less than around 1.3 microns in an analysed image of a cross-section through the body of polycrystalline material when analysed using an image analysis technique at a magnification of around 1000 and an image area of 1280 by 960 pixels; or is between around 5 to 10%, and the average nearest neighbour distance between grains of the non-diamond phase is less than around 1.04 microns, or is between around 10 to 15%, and the average nearest neighbour distance between grains of the non-diamond phase is less than around 1.

Abstract: Polycrystalline compacts include non-catalytic, non-carbide-forming particles in interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts include forming a polycrystalline material including a hard material and a plurality of particles comprising a non-catalytic, non-carbide-forming material. Methods of forming cutting elements include infiltrating interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline material with a plurality of non-catalytic, non-carbide-forming particles.

Abstract: A percussion drill bit for drilling a borehole. The drill bit includes a bit body having a bit face disposed on an axial end portion thereof. First and second cutting elements are disposed on the bit face. A cutting plane is defined in tangential contact with crest portion of the first and second cutting elements. A third cutting element on the bit face is at least partially positioned between the first and second cutting elements. The third cutting element is at least partially conical, and a crest portion of the third cutting element is offset from the cutting plane.

Abstract: Polycrystalline compacts include a hard polycrystalline material comprising first and second regions. The first region comprises a first plurality of grains of hard material having a first average grain size, and a second plurality of grains of hard material having a second average grain size smaller than the first average grain size. The first region comprises catalyst material disposed in interstitial spaces between inter-bonded grains of hard material. Such interstitial spaces between grains of the hard material in the second region are at least substantially free of catalyst material. In some embodiments, the first region comprises a plurality of nanograins of the hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a super abrasive element containing a substantially catalyst-free thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) body having pores and a contact surface, a base adjacent the contact surface of the TSP body; and an infiltrant material infiltrated in the base and in the pores of the TSP body at the contact surface. The disclosure additionally provides earth-boring drill bits and other devices containing such super abrasive elements. The disclosure further provides methods and mold assemblies for forming such super abrasive elements via infiltration and hot press methods.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes a substrate and a pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table includes an upper surface, a back surface bonded to the substrate, and at least one lateral surface extending between the upper surface and the back surface. The pre-sintered PCD table includes a region including at least a residual amount of at least one interstitial constituent disposed in at least a portion of the interstitial regions thereof, and a bonding region. The at least one interstitial constituent includes at least one metal carbonate and/or at least one metal oxide. The region extends inwardly from the upper surface and the at least one lateral surface.

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: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table that bonded to a cobalt-nickel alloy cemented carbide substrate. The cobalt-nickel alloy cemented carbide substrate provides both erosion resistance and corrosion resistance to the cemented carbide substrate. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a cemented carbide substrate including cobalt-nickel alloy cementing constituent. The PDC further includes a PCD table bonded to the cemented carbide substrate.

Abstract: A PCD cutting element for use in earth boring drill bits where die interstices remote from the working surface are filled with a catalyzing material and the interstices adjacent to the working surface are substantially free of the catalyzing material is described. An intermediate region between the substantially free portion and filled portion has a plurality of generally conically sectioned catalyst-free projections which taper down, extending to a second depth from the planar working surface, preferably about 0.5 times or more of the first depth.

Abstract: PCD inserts comprise a PCD body having multiple FG-PCD regions with decreasing diamond content moving from a body outer surface to a metallic substrate. The diamond content changes in gradient fashion by changing metal binder content. A region adjacent the outer surface comprises 5 to 20 percent by weight metal binder, and a region remote from the surface comprises 15 to 40 percent by weight metal binder. One or more transition regions are interposed between the PCD body and substrate. The transition region comprises PCD, binder metal, and a carbide, comprises a metal binder content less than that present in the PCD body region positioned next to it.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) comprises a substrate including an interfacial surface having a raised region. The PDC comprises a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the interfacial surface of the substrate. The PCD table defines an upper surface and exhibits a thickness over the raised region. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A first region of the PCD table adjacent to the substrate includes metal-solvent catalyst disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains thereof, and a leached second region of the PCD table extends inwardly from the upper surface. The interstitial regions of the leached second region are depleted of metal-solvent catalyst. The geometry of the PCD table and raised region may be selected so that residual compressive stresses therein are retained to a sufficient level after leaching to provide a damage tolerant/thermally-stable PCD table.

Abstract: A front face of a diamond table mounted to a substrate is processed, for example through an acid leach, to remove interstitial catalyst binder and form a thermal channel. A material is then introduced to the front face of the diamond table, the introduced material backfilling the front face of the diamond table to fill interstitial voids left by removal of the catalyst binder in the thermal channel to a desired depth. The material is selected to be less thermally expandable than the catalyst binder and/or more thermally conductive than the catalyst binder and/or having a lower heat capacity than the catalyst binder.

Abstract: A method of bonding poly-crystalline diamonds to a wear surface, using commercially available poly-crystalline diamond cutters having poly-crystalline diamond buttons bonded to a carbide core. The poly-crystalline diamond cutters are cooled with cryogenic liquid. The poly-crystalline diamond cutters are crushed to form poly-crystalline diamond cutter fragments, with each of the fragments having a poly-crystalline diamond button fragment still bonded to a carbide core fragment. The carbide core fragment is then bonded onto the wear surface, such that the wear surface includes poly-crystalline diamond buttons fragments.

Abstract: A cutting element is provided, including a substrate and an ultra-hard material layer formed over the substrate. At one end of the substrate is an interface surface that interfaces with the ultra-hard material layer to bond the layer to the substrate. The interface surface includes a first or outer annular section that extends to the peripheral edge of the substrate, and a second or inner section that is radially inside the first section. The interface surface includes several spaced-apart projections arranged in an annular row. In one aspect, each projection has an upper surface that defines a groove bisecting the projection. In another aspect, the interface surface may include a bridge coupling adjacent projections.

Abstract: A diamond construction may include a diamond body comprising a plurality of bonded-together diamond crystals forming a matrix phase, and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed between the bonded-together diamond crystals, the diamond body comprising: a first diamond region extending a depth from a surface of the diamond body being substantially free of a catalyst material used to form the diamond body, wherein the first diamond region comprises the matrix phase and in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial spaces, the first diamond region comprises a metal carbide and an inert metal, wherein the metal carbide is formed as a result of reaction between the diamond crystals in the matrix phase and a carbide-forming metal; and a second diamond region adjacent the first diamond region comprising the matrix phase and a Group VIII metal in the interstitial regions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a polycrystalline diamond compact. In an embodiment, the polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a polycrystalline diamond table including a first polycrystalline diamond layer bonded to the substrate and at least a second polycrystalline diamond layer. At least an un-leached portion of the polycrystalline diamond table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oe or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 G·cm3/g or less. The second polycrystalline diamond layer exhibits a second average diamond grain size that is less than a first average diamond grain size of the first polycrystalline diamond layer and/or the first polycrystalline diamond layer includes a tungsten-containing material therein.

Abstract: Thermally stable diamond bonded construction comprise a diamond bonded body including a thermally stable region, comprising a plurality of diamond grains bonded together by a reaction product of the diamond grains with a reactant such as Si, and a polycrystalline diamond region, comprising intercrystalline bonded diamond and a catalyst material. The body further comprises a ceramic compound formed by reaction of an Nb, Zr, Ti, or Mo getter material with a gaseous element generated during HPHT sintering of the diamond bonded body. The diamond bonded body may comprise from 0.1 to 15 percent by weight of the ceramic compound. The diamond bonded body can be formed during a single HPHT process operated at different temperatures when the reactant has a melting temperature above the catalyst material. The construction may include a metallic substrate attached to the diamond bonded body to facilitate use as a wear or cutting element.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing sintered superabrasive structures are disclosed. For example, a plurality of agglomerated granules comprising at least one superabrasive material may be provided and exposed to a pressure and a temperature sufficient to sinter the at least one superabrasive material. In another example, a plurality of agglomerated granules comprising diamond may be provided and exposed to a pressure and a temperature sufficient to form polycrystalline diamond. Articles of manufacture including at least one superabrasive material are disclosed. For example, a polycrystalline diamond compact may comprise a volume of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate, wherein the volume of polycrystalline diamond includes a plurality of agglomerated granules which have been sintered.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a non-uniformly leached polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table, and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a PCD table integrally formed with and bonded to the substrate. The PCD table defines an upper surface and at least one peripheral surface. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains. The PCD table includes a first region adjacent to the substrate that includes metal-solvent catalyst disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains thereof, and a leached second region extending inwardly from the upper surface and the at least one peripheral surface that is depleted of the metal-solvent catalyst. The leached second region exhibits a leach depth profile having a maximum leach depth that is measured from the upper surface.

Abstract: A PCD structure comprising a first region, in a state of residual compressive stress, and a second region in a state of residual tensile stress adjacent the first region; the first and second regions each formed of respective PCD grades and directly bonded to each other by intergrowth of diamond grains, the PCD grades having transverse rupture strength (TRS) of at least 1,200 MPa. A third region in a state of residual compressive stress may also be provided such that the second region is disposed between the first and third regions and is bonded to the first and third regions by intergrowth of diamond grains.

Abstract: Polycrystalline compacts include hard polycrystalline materials comprising in situ nucleated smaller grains of hard material interspersed and inter-bonded with larger grains of hard material. The average size of the larger grains may be at least about 250 times greater than the average size of the in situ nucleated smaller grains. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts include nucleating and catalyzing the formation of smaller grains of hard material in the presence of larger grains of hard material, and catalyzing the formation of inter-granular bonds between the grains of hard material. For example, nucleation particles may be mixed with larger diamond grains, a carbon source, and a catalyst. The mixture may be subjected to high temperature and high pressure to form smaller diamond grains using the nucleation particles, the carbon source, and the catalyst, and to catalyze formation of diamond-to-diamond bonds between the smaller and larger diamond grains.

Abstract: A cutting element that includes a substrate; and an outer layer of polycrystalline diamond material disposed upon the outermost end of the cutting element, wherein the polycrystalline diamond material: a plurality of interconnected diamond particles; and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed among the bonded diamond particles, wherein the plurality of interstitial regions contain a plurality of metal carbide phases and a plurality of metal binder phases together forming a plurality of metallic phases, wherein the plurality of metal carbide phases are formed from a plurality of metal carbide particles; wherein the plurality of interconnected diamond particles form at least about 60 to at most about 80% by weight of the polycrystalline diamond material; and wherein the plurality of metal carbide phases represent at least 50% by weight of the plurality of metallic phases is disclosed.

Abstract: An insert for a drill bit may include a metallic carbide body; an outer layer of polycrystalline diamond material on the outermost end of the insert, the polycrystalline diamond material comprising a plurality of interconnected first diamond grains and a first binder material in interstitial regions between the interconnected first diamond grains; and at least one transition layer between the metallic carbide body and the outer layer, the at least one transition layer comprising a composite of second diamond grains, first metal carbide particles, and a second binder material, wherein the second diamond grains have a larger grain size than the first diamond grains.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact comprising a diamond table is formed in a high-pressure, high-temperature process using a catalyst, the catalyst being substantially removed from the entirety of the diamond table, and the diamond table attached to a supporting substrate in a subsequent high-pressure, high-temperature process using a binder material differing at least in part from a material of the catalyst. The binder material is permitted to penetrate substantially completely throughout the diamond table from an interface with the substrate to and including a cutting surface, and the binder material is selectively removed from a region or regions of the diamond table by a conventional technique (e.g., acid leaching). Cutting elements so formed and drill bits equipped with such cutting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cutting elements incorporating polycrystalline diamond bodies used for subterranean drilling applications, and more particularly, to polycrystalline diamond bodies having a high diamond content which are configured to provide improved properties of thermal stability and wear resistance, while maintaining a desired degree of impact resistance, when compared to prior polycrystalline diamond bodies. In various embodiments disclosed herein, a cutting element with high diamond content includes a modified PCD structure and/or a modified interface (between the PCD body and a substrate), to provide superior performance.