New superhard material for drilling tools

The authors discuss physical-mechanical properties of a new thermostable polycrystalline diamond composite material and its potential use in rock-destruction tools for drilling wells in hard rock. The paper presents the results of investigation aimed at clarifying the effect of dimensions of inserts made of this new material on the drilling tool performance. An optimal size of inserts to be set in the bit face has been established which improves hard rock drilling efficiency in comparison to conventional tools.