Abstract: A cutter element for a fixed cutter drill bit configured to drill a borehole in a subterranean formation includes a base having a central axis, a first end, a second end, and a radially outer cylindrical surface extending axially from the first end to the second end. In addition, the cutter element includes a cutting layer fixably mounted to the first end of the base. The cutting layer includes a stepped cutting face distal the base and a radially outer cylindrical surface extending axially from the cutting face to the radially outer cylindrical surface of the base. The radially outer cylindrical surface of the cutting layer is contiguous with the radially outer cylindrical surface of the base. The stepped cutting face includes a first step, a second step axially spaced from the first step, and a riser axially positioned between the first step and the second step. The first step is axially positioned between the riser and the base.

Abstract: A polycrystalline composite tool component and associated methods are disclosed. In one example plurality of diamond particles are coated with a conforming catalyst metal coating and a plurality of graphene particles. Various asymmetric distributions of graphene particles are shown that provide a variety of material properties.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation has a central axis and a cutting direction of rotation. The bit includes a bit body configured to rotate about the axis in the cutting direction of rotation. The bit body includes a bit face. The bit also includes a blade extending radially along the bit face. In addition, the bit includes a first cutter element mounted to a cutter-supporting surface of the blade and a second cutter element mounted to the cutter-supporting surface of the blade. The first cutter element has a central axis and includes a first forward-facing cutting face including a first cutting tip distal the cutter supporting surface and a first planar surface extending radially from the first cutting tip toward the central axis of the first cutter element. The first planar surface is oriented at a first effective backrake angle measured between the cutter supporting surface and a surface vector of the first planar surface.