The mechanical properties of polycrystalline diamond as a function of strain rate and temperature

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) materials are used in various applications, mainly as cutting tools for machining non-ferrous metals and non-metallic materials and for rock drilling operations. A better knowledge of their mechanical properties is of fundamental importance to PCD manufacturers and end users. In order to understand and predict the behaviour and structural integrity of the tools containing PCD, it is first necessary to study the behaviour of the material as a function of loading rate and temperature. In this paper, material behaviour is determined under testing conditions which correspond more closely to those in actual drilling, which is a significant improvement over investigations to date. Young’s modulus determined by four-point bending and a split-Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus was relatively constant with the rate, while a consistent decrease was observed with increase of temperature. The flexural strength was found to increase with the temperature, while decreasing with an increase in rate.