Laser-Assisted Synthesis of Diamond-Reinforced Coatings on Cast Steel with CuSn10 (Bro10) Binder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20535/2521-1943.2025.9.4(107).338248Keywords:
laser irradiation, sintering, diamond, steel, bronzeAbstract
The selection of a binder material for the working layer with diamond grains is of critical importance in the production of diamond-containing abrasive tools. The object of the study is the process of forming diamond-reinforced coatings on cast steel 40L using a powder bronze binder of CuSn10 (BrO10) composition as a matrix material. The possibility of applying a CuSn10 (BrO10) binder for thermomechanical laser sintering of diamond-containing coatings on 40L steel is considered, with the aim of ensuring a reliable metallurgical bond between the working layer and the substrate and obtaining a dense, defect-free structure.
Using a fourth-generation Maxphotonics fibre laser (λ = 1.06 µm, power 500‑1000 W, exposure time 0.18‑1.8 s) under an inert atmosphere, a dense defect-free diamond-containing coating was synthesised on the steel substrate. A strong metallurgical bond was formed at the bronze/steel interface due to atomic diffusion of Cu and Fe, as well as a dense contact with the diamond particles. The morphology, chemical composition, geometry and microhardness of the deposited bead at the diamond/binder interface were analysed. The phase composition and element redistribution in the matrix region were determined as a function of laser power density.
The bonding strength is explained by the combined effect of Cu‑Fe atomic diffusion, the formation of intermetallic phases at the interface, and an increase in the real contact area with diamonds as a result of microstructural rearrangement under local heating.
A distinctive feature of the obtained results is the formation of a dense defect-free structure with high adhesion, which differentiates laser sintering from conventional powder pressing and sintering. This minimises the risk of delamination and enhances tool reliability under load. The findings can be applied to the manufacture of diamond abrasive tools intended for machining hard materials.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Олексій Гончарук, Леонід Головко, Світлана Волошко, Олександр Данилейко, Олександр Капустинський

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