Diamond is a mineral composed of carbon elements, possessing extremely high hardness and thermal conductivity. It is widely used in abrasives, cutting, and grinding tools. Poly-crystalline diamond and monocrystalline diamond each have distinct characteristics and play important roles in different application fields. By understanding their concepts, raw materials, processing techniques, performance characteristics, and application scenarios, we can gain a deeper insight into the properties and advantages of this crucial material, diamond.
Monocrystalline and poly-crystalline diamonds are two different types of synthetic diamonds. Monocrystalline diamond is produced by synthesizing graphite and a metal catalyst under high temperature and high pressure, while poly-crystalline diamond is made by sintering high-quality diamond powder under high pressure and high temperature.
The raw materials of monocrystalline diamond are graphite and a metal catalyst, whereas the raw material of poly-crystalline diamond is high-quality diamond powder.
Monocrystalline diamond is manufactured using a secondary synthesis method by mixing graphite and a metal catalyst together under high temperature and high pressure conditions; poly-crystalline diamond is produced by sintering high-quality diamond powder under high temperature and high pressure.
Monocrystalline diamond has high hardness and good wear resistance, with excellent electrical and thermal stability. However, its grain boundary can be unstable, possibly leading to grain boundary embrittlement.
Poly-crystalline diamond possesses outstanding comprehensive properties—it is highly hard, strong, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant, with excellent thermal stability and thermal conductivity. Additionally, its grain boundary is continuous and stable, preventing grain boundary embrittlement and thus endowing it with better strength and stability.
Monocrystalline diamond is primarily used in metal cutting, abrasives, diamond disks, cutting machines, and grinding tools, serving as an important substitute for hard alloys and other cutting tools.
Poly-crystalline diamond is used in a wide range of fields including mechanical processing, oil and gas extraction, abrasives, petroleum drilling, geological exploration, and electronic information.
In summary, while monocrystalline diamond and poly-crystalline diamond are both synthetic diamonds, they differ in raw materials, processing techniques, and performance characteristics, leading to different application scenarios. When selecting and using diamonds, choose the appropriate material based on specific circumstances to achieve the best performance.