Effects of Compaction and Sintering Temperature to the Alloyability of FeCrCu Powder Mixture

Abstract

This paper presents the alloyability of FeCrCu powder compacts formed through warm powder compaction route. A lab-scale uni-axial die compaction rig was designed and fabricated which enabled the powder forming at elevated temperature. Iron powder ASC 100.29 was mechanically mixed with other alloying elements, i.e., copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) as well as carbon (C) as additive for 60 minutes. Green samples were formed at 30°C (room temperature), 100°C, and 180°C through simultaneous upward and downward axial loadings. The defect-free green compacts were subsequently sintered in argon gas fired furnace at 900°C and 1000°C for 60 minutes at a rate of 5°C/minute. The alloyability of the sintered products was analyzed through XRD testing. The compressive strength of the sintered samples was also measured. The results revealed that FeCrCu alloy was formed at different intensity depended upon the forming and sintering temperature. The compressive strength was found to be highest for sample formed at 180°C and sintered at 1000°C.