Use of PM Fe–Cu–SiC composites as bonding matrix for diamond tools

The use of the system Fe–(5,10,15,20)%Cu with the addition of 1% weight of silicon carbide (SiC) as bonding matrix for diamond tools was investigated in the present work. The diamond metallic composites were manufactured via conventional powder metallurgy and sintered at 1050 and 1150°C. Evaluation of the composites included the measurement of the level of shrinkage/swelling, Brinell hardness and wear resistance. Microstructure was investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that temperature of 1150°C presented the best sintering condition for the composites. Among the studied compositions, the alloy with 20%Cu content presented the best wear performance as metallic bonding matrix for diamond composites.