A method of manufacture of PCD material using a sintering additive such as diamond particles

A method of making polycrystalline diamond (PCD) including providing a fraction of diamond particles or grains and a sintering additive. The sintering additive may be a carbon source of nano-sized particles or grains i.e. nano-diamond. The diamond particles and sintering additive are formed into an aggregated mass, which is consolidated and a binder material added to form a green body. The green body is subject to conditions of pressure and temperature (HTHP) at which diamond is more thermodynamically stable than graphite, and for a time sufficient to consume the sintering additive. The PCD thus formed is substantially devoid of any nano-structures. The PCD can be used in the construction of cutting faces for drill bits.