Patent ID: 8021639
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: B01J,C09K

Abstract:
1. A method for rapidly synthesizing a monolithic polycrystalline diamond piece, comprising the steps of: forming from a starting material of pure polycrystalline graphite a unitary piece of monolithic polycrystalline graphite having a desired shape; placing the unitary piece of monolithic polycrystalline graphite in direct contact with an activator composed of a nickel-base alloy; and subjecting the unitary piece of monolithic polycrystalline graphite and activator to high static pressure and temperature for a time sufficient to cause the monolithic polycrystalline graphite to undergo complete phase transformation to yield a monolithic polycrystalline diamond piece having the desired shape of the unitary piece, wherein the forming step comprises machining the unitary piece of monolithic polycrystalline graphite into the desired shape.