%0 Journal Article %T Diamond composites with nanoceramic boride bonding phases %A M. Szutkowska %A L. Jaworska %A M. Rozmus %A P. Klimczyk %J Archives of Materials Science and Engineering %D 2012 %I International OCSCO World Press %X Purpose: Basic mechanical properties of the studied tool composites and microstructure of diamond- titanium diboride composite, and diamond-titanium diboride-titanium nitride composite with participation of nanopowders have been presented. Design/methodology/approach: Composites were prepared on the basis diamond powders of 3-6 ¦Ìm (MDA36, Element Six) and the TiB2/TiN nanopowders of below 45 nm (Neomat Co. Lithuania firm) and nanopowder of TiB2 with size of crystallite below of 100 nm (American Elements firm). Different amount of a bonding phase changing in range from 10 to 30 wt% was used. Compacts in the shape of disc with dimension 15x5 mm were sintered at pressure 8.0¡À0.2 GPa and temperature of 2235 K using the Bridgman type apparatus. Microstructure studies using scanning microscope, X-ray and electron diffraction phase analysis were used.Findings: The influence of the bonding phase amount on the tested properties was observed. Vicker¡¯s hardness HV1 was changed in the range from 20.0 to 50.0 GPa, Young¡¯s modulus (E) from 360 to 600 GPa and density (¦Ñ) from 3.30 to 3.63 g/cm3. The highest values of Vickers hardness and Young¡¯s modulus were obtained for diamond composites sintered with 10 wt% TiB2 of bonding phase.Practical implications: : In this work the effect of reduction powder size from submicron scale to nano scale of two ceramic bonding phases: titanium diboride and titanium diboride-nitride in diamond composites on selected mechanical properties has been reported. The results show that using of the TiB2 powders in nano scale size increase the Vicker¡¯s hardness about 30 wt% in comparison to using of the TiB2/TiN phase.Originality/value: These investigations allow enhance possibility of using this materials as burnishing tools and rational use of existing ceramic tools. %K Diamond-titanium diboride composite %K Diamond-titanium diboride-titanium nitride composite %K Nanopowder %K Vicker¡¯s hardness %K Young¡¯s modulus %K SEM image %K Wear resistance %U http://www.archivesmse.org/vol53_2/5323.pdf