Performance evaluation of vitrified/diamond composites by adding ZnF2

Abstract Metallic compounds are generally used to reinforce vitrified/diamond composites for high-efficiency grinding. Herein, vitrified/diamond composites with different contents of ZnF2 were fabricated, and overall performance along with appropriate ZnF2 content were evaluated. Results indicate that the introduction of ZnF2 can improve the fluidity of vitrified bond, strengthen the bonding between diamond and bond, and thus promote the densification of vitrified/diamond composites. Furthermore, ZnF2 contributes to the crystallization of LiAlSi2O6, which acts as particulate reinforcement within vitrified/diamond composites. Compared with the monolithic composites, the bending strength and density of vitrified/diamond composites with 4 wt% ZnF2 improved by 20.7% and the density of composites was increased to 2.43 g/cm3, in addition to greater self-sharpness and shape maintenance.