Material properties and tool performance of PCD reinforced WC matrix composites for hardbanding applications

• The diamond grains and WC grains in different parts are diffusely distributed which make the material combine closely.
• A height difference is found at the border of these two parts, which is advantageous to form lubricant film.
• The PCD reinforced WC matrix composite hardbanding exhibits the best tool performance under drilling conditions.
• The excellent anti-friction property and hardness are the primary reasons for the composite's enhanced tool performance.

The material properties and drill pipe hardbanding performance of PCD reinforced WC matrix composites were investigated in an attempt to understand the relationship between the raw material's properties and its tool performance. The PCD reinforced WC matrix composite consists of two parts: a PCD part and a WC matrix part. The diamond grains and WC grains in different parts are diffusely distributed which make the material combine closely to improve the bonding strength. A height difference is found at the border of these two parts, which is advantageous to form a lubricant film. The drill pipe hardbanding with a composition of PCD reinforced WC matrix composites exhibits the best tool performance under drilling conditions. The excellent anti-friction property and reasonable hardness of this PCD reinforced WC matrix composite are the primary reasons for its enhanced tool performance. The overall results demonstrate that the PCD reinforced WC matrix composites are extremely promising for drill pipe hardbanding applications.