AbstractUsing CBN, Si3N4, Al2O3, AlN and Y2O3 as raw materials, PCBN tool materials were prepared by high temperature and high pressure. The effects of sintering temperature (1400–1700°C) on the microstructure, mechanical properties and cutting performance of tool materials were studied. The results show that PCBN tool materials with higher density and better comprehensive properties can be obtained by using high temperature and high pressure technology. At 1500°C, it was observed that the α-Si3N4 in the binder had a tendency to transform to β-Si3N4, and the grains were well developed. With the increase of sintering temperature, the density, flexural strength, and hardness of the samples increased continuously. At 1700°C, the flexural strength and hardness reached 879.6 MPa and 38.8 GPa, respectively. At the same time, the cutting performance of the samples sintered at 1700°C is also the best. When cutting ductile cast iron with a cutting distance of 7 km, the tool wear is the smallest, which is 0.26 mm.