Composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of PcBN composites with Al- Zr binder

The cBN, Zr, and Al powders were mixed to synthesize PcBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride) tool material under high-temperature, ultra-high-pressure conditions. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the phase composition and microstructure of the tool material. The mechanical properties and microstructural trends of the tool material at various temperatures were investigated. Research indicates the formation of new phases in the PcBN material following high-temperature and ultra-high-pressure sintering. However, there is no significant difference in the types of formed new phases, all of which consist of BN, ZrB 2 , ZrN, and AlN. The sintering density of the tool material was higher at 1500 °C and 1600 °C, and the mechanical properties improved with increasing sintering temperature . The highest number of tool processing parts made of PcBN tool material synthesized at 1600 °C is 232.