Effect of chromium addition on properties of sinter-forged Fe–Cu–C alloy steel

Abstract

The present work deals with sinter-forged powder metallurgical (P/M) steels alloyed with chromium by addition of ferrochrome powder, which allows a close control over the chromium contents of alloy steels. Chromium contents can be varied by adjusting appropriately weighed ferrochrome powder in the P/M mixtures. Fe–Cu (2%) and C (0.7%) is the base composition for this P/M alloy steel. Study with the addition of 0.5% and 3% chromium by weight in the form of ferrochrome powder is carried out. The P/M alloy steel of base composition with no chromium content is also prepared for comparative study. The paper deals with these three alloy steels formed by the sinter-forging technique of powder metallurgy. The results of hardness and wear in hardened and tempered condition are reported in the present work.