Cutting performance evaluation of nickel-plated graphite Fe-based diamond saw blades

With the purpose of improving cutting efficiency, nickel-plated graphite particles with different concentrations were added to the Fe-based diamond saw blades (DSB) to investigate the effect of nickel-plated graphites on the cutting performance of DSB. Graphite particles can effectively improve the utilization rate of diamonds by weakening the matrix, creating cavities, forming a graphite lubricating film, and reducing the hot corrosion of diamond particles, thereby effectively improving the sharpness of the DSB. The results of the cutting tests on five different kinds of rock samples show that the DSB can obtain the optimal cutting performance when containing 2% nickel-plated graphite particles, and its average sharpness can increase by 29.89% while the loss of service life is reduced by 51.77%. In addition, the observation and analysis results of the microstructure confirm that plating nickel could effectively increase the ability of the matrix to hold graphite particles. This can effectively protect the matrix materials and the diamond particles on the working surface of the DSB, thereby reducing the loss of service life caused by the addition of graphite particles. Finally, it can be projected that the nickel-plated graphite Fe-based DSB can maximize its advantages when applied to cut the hard rock with large mineral particles. [Display omitted] •Fe-based diamond saw blade with 2% nickel-plated graphite particles has the optimal cutting performance.•Adding graphite particles can effectively enhance the cutting efficiency of diamond saw blades by improving the utilization of diamonds.•Adding graphite particles cause a significant reduction in the service life of diamond saw blades.•Plating nickel can effectively reduce the service life loss of the diamond saw blades caused by adding graphites.•Diamond saw blades containing nickel-plated graphite suit for cutting ard rock formation with a larger mineral particle size.