摘要

Tribological properties are the significant engineering factors to evaluate the quality of sintered polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC). An effective approach to control the tribological properties of PDC is extremely desired for engineers. The current paper has systematically investigated the tribological properties of PDC in relation to annealing temperatures. The friction coefficients and the wear rates of PDC and Si3N4 balls were evaluated by the morphologies and chemical conversions on tribological surfaces. Carbonaceous transfer films, induced by tiny diamond grains (TD grains, sizes of 0-5 mu m), can effectively reduce the friction coefficients of the annealed PDC. The wear of the annealed PDC is caused by the extraction of medium size diamond grains (MD grains, sizes of 5-15 mu m). The wear of Si3N4 balls is attributed to the abrasion effect of TD grains and the cutting action of the MD/BD (big size diamond with sizes of 25 mu m) asperities. It is specially noted that a markedly enhanced wear resistance of PDC can be achieved by the annealing treatment at 750 degrees C. These results would give significant instructions for regulation and control of the tribological properties of PDC by simple and low cost annealing treatment.