The SmCo5 Intermetallic Compound Sintering

Abstract

The SmCo5has three sintering stages using spheres (0.6 – 1.0 mm diameter) at temperatures between 1030 and 1200 °C. During the first stage the neck radius increases as X2~ t for less than 1200 °C temperature, the exponent is 3 at 1200 °C. Interdiffusion is sintering mechanism for exponent of 2. Sm diffuses from inside to the surface, where it is oxidized and oxides fills the neck between the spheres. Co diffuses through the oxides. At 1200 °C the sintering mechanism is evaporation-condensation of Sm. The activation enthalpy of the first stage is 582 kJmol-1for temperatures above 1130 °C and 210 kJmol-1bellow 1130 °C, respectively. The second stage is characterized by a plateau where the neck growth is arrested. The small pores in the neck and in the sphere surface layer (formed during the first stage) shrink. When these pores disappear a continuous α-Co layer forms and the third stage starts. It is essential growth of the neck formed by dense Co layer. The law of sintering is X4~ t. The activation enthalpy (276 kJmol-1at temperatures above 1130 °C) closes the activation enthalpy of Co self-diffusion. This (together with the exponent of 4) suggests that the Co layer plays a role similar to that of a liquid film. Making slight changes in the chemical composition of the alloys and substituting an argon atmosphere to vacuum have no influence or stages and sintering mechanisms.