Abstract: A composite material consists of a plurality of cores dispersed in a matrix. The cores are formed of ultra-hard material, or the components for making an ultra-hard material. The matrix is formed of the components for making an ultra-hard material of a grade different to that of the cores, and a suitable binder. The ultra-hard material is polycrystalline in nature and is typically PCD or PcBN. The cores are typically provided as granules coated with the components for making an ultra-hard material and the binder. The composite material typically takes on a honeycomb structure of an ultra-hard material and cores within the pores of the honeycomb structure bonded to the honeycomb structure. The pores of the honeycomb structure may be ordered or random.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a plurality of cores of material selected from the group comprising carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, cemented carbides, cemented nitrides, cemented carbonitrides and mixtures thereof, dispersed in a matrix. The matrix comprises the components for making an ultra-hard material, such as diamond or cBN abrasive particles, and a suitable binder. The ultra-hard material is polycrystalline in nature and is typically PCD or PcBN. The cores are typically provided as individual particles or in the form of granules. The granules may be further coated with a second coating, which may be a similar material to that of the cores or of an ultra-hard material of a different grade to that of the first coating. The composite material typically takes on a honeycomb structure of a hard material and cores within the pores of the honeycomb structure bonded to the honeycomb structure. The pores of the honeycomb structure may be ordered or random.