Development and Performance Evaluation of Graphene-Enhanced Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Cutter

Abstract

In order to improve the wear resistance, impact toughness and other comprehensive properties of PDC cutter, a new type of graphene-enhanced PDC cutter was developed by taking advantage of the excellent mechanical and thermal properties of graphene. Through the research of raw material treatment, diamond micro powder ratio, cemented carbide substrate structure and synthetic sintering process, three kinds of PDC cutters with graphene mass percentage of 0,1 wt%, 0,2 wt% and 0,3 wt% were prepared respectively. SEM tests showed that the binder distribution of PDC cutters with graphene mass percentage of 0,1 wt% and 0,2 wt% is relatively uniform, and there are no graphene agglomeration phenomenon occurred. Heat resistance tests showed that the heat resistance of the PDC cutter with graphene mass percentage of 0,2 wt% is the highest. Abrasion resistance tests showed that the wear ratio of the PDC cutter with graphene mass percentage of 0,2 wt% is the highest. Impact resistance tests showed that the impact energy of the PDC cutters with graphene mass percentage of 0,2 wt% and 0,3 wt% is the highest, and the impact resistance energy is over 2500 J. The Multiple Attribute Decision Making method was used to select the best graphene added scheme, and the PDC cutter with graphene mass percentage of 0,2 wt% shows the best comprehensive performance. The real drilling test was carried out in the Baiping Coal Mine of Zhengmei Group, the concave drill bit with 0,2 wt% graphene added PDC cutters showed the fastest average ROP, the least cutter wear, and the best drilling effect.