Nano-reinforced wc-co for improved properties

Abstract

A drill bit that includes a bit body; and at least one cutting element for engaging the formation disposed on the bit body, the at least one cutting element comprising: a ductile phase; a plurality of carbide particles dispersed in the ductile phase; and a plurality of nanotubes integrated into the cutting element is disclosed.

1 . A drill bit, comprising:
 a bit body, and   at least one cutting element for engaging the formation disposed on the bit body, the at least one cutting element comprising:
 a ductile phase; 
 a plurality of carbide particles dispersed in the ductile phase; and 
 a plurality of nanotubes integrated into the cutting element. 
   
   
   
       2 . The drill bit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one roller cone rotatably mounted on the bit body, wherein the at least one cutting is disposed on the at least one roller cone.   
   
   
       3 . The drill bit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, wherein the at least one cutting element is disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades.   
   
   
       4 . A composite body for cutting tools, comprising:
 a ductile phase;   a plurality of carbide particles dispersed the ductile phase; and   a plurality of nanotubes integrated into the composite body,   wherein the composite body comprises increased toughness and wear resistance when compared to a composite body consisting of a plurality of carbide particles dispersed in a ductile phase.   
   
   
       5 . The composite body of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of an end cap or sidewall of the nanotubes is functionalized. 
   
   
       6 . The composite body of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of carbide particles comprise at least one of tungsten carbide, tantalum carbide, titanium carbide, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
       7 . The composite body of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes comprise carbon nanotubes. 
   
   
       8 . The composite body of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes comprise inorganic nanotubes. 
   
   
       9 . The composite body of  claim 8 , wherein the inorganic nanotube is formed by depositing an inorganic coating by atomic layer deposition on a carbon nanotube and removing the carbon nanotube. 
   
   
       10 . The composite body of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes comprises a coating deposited by atomic layer deposition disposed thereon. 
   
   
       11 . The composite body of  claim 10 , wherein the coating has a thickness ranging from about 1 to 10 nm. 
   
   
       12 . The composite body of  claim 10 , wherein the coating comprises at least one of a metal, ceramic materials, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
       13 . The composite body of  claim 4 , wherein the ductile phase comprises at least one of Fe, Ni, Co, and alloys thereof. 
   
   
       14 . A method of forming a composite body for a cutting tool, comprising:
 integrating a plurality of nanotubes in one of a plurality of carbide particles and a binder phase;   mixing the other of the one of a plurality of carbide particles and a binder phase; and consolidating the mixture,   wherein the formed composite body comprises increased toughness and wear resistance when compared to a composite body consisting of a plurality of carbide particles dispersed in a ductile phase.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes comprise carbon nanotubes. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the integrating comprises at least one of vapor co-deposition, mixing, spray mixing, ball milling, electromagnetic levitation, infiltration of a perform, and extrusion. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the integrating comprises dispersing the plurality of nanostructures in the plurality of carbide particles. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the integrating comprises dispersing the plurality of nanostructures into a plurality of binder particles. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the consolidating comprises at least one of hot pressing, and vacuum sintering. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , her comprising:
 functionlizing at least one of a end cap or sidewall of the plurality of nanotubes.