Shrinkage and shrinkage rate behavior in Cdiamond-Fe-Cu-Ni-Sn-CrB2 system during hot pressing of pressureless-sintered compacts

The paper addresses the effect of pressure and a chromium diboride additive on shrinkage and shrinkage rate in hot pressing and on mechanical properties of the resulting diamond-containing composites based on Fe, Cu, Ni, and Sn powders. The shrinkage rate curves are found to have a stepwise trend. The shrinkage rate variations are shown to be associated with the phase and structural changes that occur in this system. The authors have determined the initial composition and p,T-conditions that ensure process activation and simultaneous improvement in mechanical properties of the composite.