Abstract
Boron-doped binderless polycrystalline diamond has been synthesized and its various properties were evaluated. The polycrystalline diamond possesses high hardness, high strength and high thermal resistance. The heavily boron-doped diamond shows quasi-metallic electrical conductivity, being able to be machined by an electro-discharge method and exhibiting no plasma generation in a gap of sliding contact with insulating materials. In addition, the oxidation resistance and tribological property were improved owing to the additive effect of boron. Therefore, this diamond has outstanding potential as a materials for high-performance and high-precision cutting tools, especially for applications regarding cutting tools for hard insulating materials.
