Most sintered diamond tool matrices produced by Sagwell contain tin, either added as a pure element or in the form ofalloy powder. But do you know the role of tin in the matrix?
1. As a low-temperature metal binder and modifier:
Tin primarily serves as a low-temperature metal binder and modifier in diamond tool matrix formulations, and it can lower the sintering temperature (with a melting point of 231.9°C). During the sintering process, it melts first to form a liquid phase. Through the liquid-phase sintering mechanism, it promotes the particle rearrangement and densification of matrix powders (such as
Copper, cobalt, iron, etc.), thereby significantly reducing the overall sintering temperature (usually to 700-800°C). This is crucial for protecting diamonds from high-temperature thermal damage.
2. Improving the matrix's holding force on diamonds:
Molten tin can well wet the diamond surface, and form alloys with other alloy powder elements (such as cobalt, copper) in the matrix through diffusion, wrapping and anchoring diamond particles, thus improving the mechanical holding force. Although tin is inert to diamonds (no chemical bonds are formed), good mechanical embedding is also effective.
3. Regulating the hardness and toughness of the matrix:
Adding tin can increase the strength and hardness of the diamond tool matrix material, but it also increases brittleness. An appropriate amount of tin can optimize the comprehensive mechanical properties of the alloy powder matrix.
4. Filling pores:
Liquid-phase tin can flow and fill the pores between matrix powders, improving the density of the matrix and making it more uniform and strong.
Now you understand the role of tin in the
alloy powder of diamond tools. In the next article, we will continue to discuss the roles of other components.
