Abstract：In order to improve the abrasive retentively of electroplated diamond wire and increase its durability, diamond microparticles were coated with Ni by magnetron sputtering method to enhance the binding between diamond and electroplated metal. With a swing sample vessel assisted by vibration generator, diamond microparticles (30~40 μm) were fully dispersed to be deposited with Ni before affixed to diamond wire. Surface characterization and composition of the Ni-coated diamond microparticles and electroplated diamond wires were conducted by OM, SEM and EDX. Influences of different experimental conditions during sputtering and electroplating were evaluated.Contrast cutting experiments were carried out to study the abrasive retentivity. The results show that diamond microparticles with magnetron sputtering Ni coating possess stronger interface with electroplated metal. Contrast cutting experiments show diamonds with Ni coating suffer much less diamond loss (4.9%) compared to those without coating (17.4%) .

Keywords: diamond microparticles; diamond wire; magnetron sputtering; surface metallization; abrasive retentivity