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.