Investigation of warm compaction and sintering behaviour of aluminium alloys

Abstract

The effects of warm compaction on the green density and sintering behaviour of aluminium alloys were investigated. Particular attention is paid to prealloyed powders, i.e. eutectic and hypereutectic Al-Si alloys, regarding their potential applications in the automotive industry. The effects of chemical composition, alloying method, compacting temperature and the amount of powder lubricant were studied. The compaction behaviour was examined by an instrumented die enabling simultaneous measurement of density, die wall friction coefficient, the triaxial stresses acting on the powder during the course of compaction and ejection pressure. The sintering behaviour was studied via dilatometeric analysis as well as normal batch sintering. The results show that warm compaction could be a promising way to increase the green density of aluminium alloys, especially prealloyed powders, and to decreased imensional instability during sintering. Moreover, it reduces the sliding friction coefficient and the ejection force during the powder shaping process. This paper presents the significant advantages and drawbacks of using the warm compaction process for commercial PM aluminium alloys.     

球磨方式对TiC/316L复合粉末压缩性及烧结行为的影响

应用双对数压制方程和相关烧结模型,分析和探讨不同球磨方式对TiC/316L复合粉末的压制特性及烧结行为的影响,并采用扫描电镜观察复合粉末的形貌。结果表明,采用湿磨方式获得的复合粉末,其破碎程度不够,很多316L不锈钢颗粒特别是颗粒较小的不锈钢颗粒变形不大,仍然呈球形,不利于其后续的压制和烧结;采用直接干磨获得的复合粉末,其表面新鲜断裂面多,粉末表面活性大,有利于粉末的烧结致密化,但其加工硬化明显,压制成形性能较差;与其他球磨方式相比,采用先干磨再湿磨的球磨方式获得的复合粉末不仅具有较好的成形性能,而且粉末烧结激活能低,以该粉末为原料可以获得较高相对密度的烧结体。     

Comparison of sintering of titanium and titanium hydride powders

Abstract

The cold compaction and vacuum sintering behaviour of a Ti powder and a Ti hydride powder were compared. Master sintering curve models were developed for both powders. Die ejection force, green strength and green porosity were lower for hydride powder than for Ti powder, all probably resulting from reduced cold welding and friction during compaction. For sintering temperatures above ～1000°C, most of the difference in the sintered density of Ti and hydride is explained by assuming equal densification, while taking into account the lower green porosity of compacts made from hydride powder. However, there is evidence that particle fracture during compaction also contributes to increased sintered density for hydride powder. The Ti powder conformed to a master sintering curve model with apparent activation energy of 160 kJ mol^?. The activation energy for Ti hydride also appeared to be about 160 kJ mol^?, but the model did not fit the experimental data well.     

Refinement of Master Densification Curves for Sintering of Titanium

An approximate master curve for the densification of cold-pressed titanium powder during vacuum sintering was published previously. It was based on the combined results for three different titanium powders. The master densification curve model incorporates the effects of particle size, compaction pressure, sintering time, and sintering temperature on densification. The collection of a large amount of additional data now allows refinement of the model. Distinct curves are presented for three different titanium powders, prealloyed Ti6Al4V, and Ti-Ni binary alloys. The master densification curve is sigmoidal, but deviates from the ideal form at high sintered density; the relative sintered density saturates at 90 to 100 pct, depending on the particle size of the titanium powder, and to a lesser extent the compaction pressure. The master densification curve below the saturation level is slightly dependent on the compaction pressure.     

Use of powders of the tungsten—Rhenium alloys for the preparation of impregnated cathode skeletons I. Densification and formation of porous structure in sintering of powders of tungsten-rhenium alloys

The effect of phase composition, fineness, and morphology of W-Re powders with different rhenium content on compaction, and formation of porous structure has been studied. Fine particle powders with a specific surface of 5–8 m²/g, mechanical mixtures of tungsten and rhenium powders, and W-Re alloy powders were used. Local nonuniform compaction is observed during sintering of powder mixtures and alloy powders. It was established that alloy powders and intermetallic powders have lower sintering activity.     

Powder sintering with application of an electric current and periodic mechanical pulses

Electric-discharge sintering of metal powders and powder composites is accompanied by anomalously high rates for compaction, and alloy and phase formation. Application of low-frequency pressure pulses on powders and powder mixtures during the concluding stage of electric-discharge sintering leads to even greater intensification of compaction and alloy formation. Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Nos. 3/4(412), pp. 105–109, March–April, 2000.     

成形压力与粉末粒径对钨铜复合材料烧结性能的影响

为进一步提高钨铜合金的致密度和简化制备工艺,研究了粉末粒度与成形压力对无压烧结制备的W-15Cu复合材料致密度的影响.发现随着球磨时间延长,钨铜粉末发生明显的细化和圆化,粉末分布更为均匀,烧结活性有较大提高,合金性能更加优异,组织结构更加良好,致密度相应提高.通过对烧结试样密度和铜含量的测定,得到不同成形压力下材料致密度和铜含量随烧结温度的变化曲线,发现随着成形压力增大,材料的烧结致密度升高,铜流失的现象得到一定的控制.     

粉末冶金制备的Ti35Nb2．5Sn5HA生物复合材料的组织与性能研究

采用高能机械球磨和脉冲电流活化烧结方法制备了一种新型的不含Al、V等有毒元素的口钛合金基体的Ti35Nb2．5Sn5HA生物复合材料。研究了不同机械球磨时间球磨的Ti35Nb2．5Sn5HA粉末以及用这几种粉末烧结制备的样品微观组织和显微硬度变化,球磨时间对烧结复合材料的微观组织和性能的影响。结果表明：随着球磨时间的增加,Ti35Nb2．5Sn5HA粉末的颗粒尺寸逐渐减小,Nh和Sn开始与Ti发生固溶,形成Ti的过饱和固溶体,而且α-Ti也开始向β-Ti转化。当球磨时间达到12h,球磨粉末中α-Ti完全转化为β-Ti,粉末颗粒的平均尺寸为500nm左右。12h球磨的粉末烧结制备的复合材料具有超细晶粒尺寸,晶粒平均尺寸为200nm,这种复合材料的维氏显微硬度可以达到10187．3MPa。     

ELEVATED-TEMPERATURE COMPACTION OF METALS AND CERAMICS BY GAS PRESSURES

Abstract

Techniques have been developed for the isostatic compaction of metals, cermets, and ceramics with no appreciable variation in density throughout the compacted structure. The temperatures needed are much lower than those normally utilized for sintering, so that a fine-grain, tough structural material can be produced. The starting material may be loose powder, cold-pressed preforms, explosively impacted preforms, coated particles, spherical particles, or vibratory-packed powder.

Toxic materials are easily handed. Since the process is quite adaptable to the preparation of complex shapes by direct compaction of powders, components can be produced from the more expensive materials, such as beryllium and tungsten, with a minimum loss of material during processing.     

Preprocessing of powder to enhance mechanical and thermal response of bulk magnesium

This article investigates the effect of preprocessing of powders on improving the properties of pure bulk magnesium synthesized via microwave assisted powder metallurgy method. Preprocessing was done by compacting the powder prior to primary processing (cold compaction & microwave sintering) and secondary processing (hot extrusion). Various characterization studies were conducted to determine the microstructural features, temperature governed properties and mechanical properties. Results revealed that preprocessing (compaction) led to improved properties i.e. higher yield strength, better grain refinement and higher resistance to ignition.     

Mechanical properties of green compacts. II. Effect of powder relative bulk density on the strength of compacts with different forming temperature conditions

Mechanisms of strength for green compacts made from powders of iron, nickel and its alloys, copper, tin, and zinc are analyzed. The strength of green compacts prepared from metal powders of medium fineness with a relative bulk density (RBD) from 0.119 to 0.568 by two-way compaction in rigid dies with homologous temperatures from 0.15 to 0.59 (pressure from 200 to 800 MPa, powder deformation rate 10^?2–10^?3 m/sec) is studied. Compact strength is determined by diametric compression of cylindrical compacts. The dependence of strength on compact porosity is studied by the Bal’shin equation. The possibility is demonstrated of using this relationship in order to describe hot compaction and formally describe cold compaction of powders with RBD up to 0.40. The effect of homologous temperature and powder RBD on compact strength is determined. The homologous temperature for transition from warm to hot compaction and the effect of compact density (degree of deformation) on this temperature is studied. It is shown that linear approximation is possible for the dependence of compact strength on powder RBD according to the equation σ _f.c = 87–217?RBD.     

添加成形剂对钢结硬质合金锻造性能的影响

通过对添加和未添加成形剂的粉末的流动性、氧化程度的测定及压制压力的调整，证明加入成形剂可减少压制和烧结时钢结硬质合金毛坯出现的缺陷，提高其锻造性能。分析论述了烧结过程中烧结坯内部所形成的孔隙，在锻造时对大晶粒WC的碎裂及钢基体塑性流动所产生的影响。     

Characterization,Physical and Mechanical Behavior of Sintered Atomized Iron–Zinc Stearate Composite

Powder metallurgy is an effective method to process the iron component in near net shape. In this paper, the influence of particle size, lubricant and compaction load on the physical and mechanical properties of the sintered iron–zinc stearate composite sample has been investigated. Atomized iron powders of particle size 100–200 and 200–300 mesh with zinc stearate 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 wt% were used for preparing the samples. Green samples were prepared by cold compaction at various loads of 200, 180 and 160 KN and the sintering is done at 500 °C. The physical properties and the mechanical properties such as density, hardness and compression strength have been measured for the sintered samples. Scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the atomized iron powders and the sintered samples. It were confirmed that the shape of atomized iron powder particles were irregular, dendritic and acicular. Energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to identify the elemental compositions of powders and the sintered samples. Taguchi (L₁₈) method was effectively used to develop the regression model and describe the contribution of the input parameters in compressive strength, density, and hardness. The highest effect on density was powder particle size followed by compaction load and lubricant wt%. The Hardness value increased with increase in the powder particle size and compaction load and decreases with increase in the lubricant wt%. The compression strength increased with increase of compaction load and decrease of lubricant wt% and particle size.     

Application of high-energy grinding for the activation of sintering of silicon nitride powder

Grinding of silicon nitride powder of the PS grade with additions of yttrium and aluminum oxides in a high-energy centrifugal-planetary mill is studied, where the grinding is accelerated by using balls to 20g and 40g acceleration. It is shown that the powder dispersion increases from 0.6 to 10–15 m²/g due to the grinding. The ground powders are very active during sintering. The relative density of the material is 97% at 1700°C and a nitrogen pressure of 1 MPa.Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, No. 11(359), pp. 98–101, November, 1992.     

THE EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS ADDITIONS ON THE TENSILE,FATIGUE, AND IMPACT STRENGTH OF SINTERED STEELS BASED ON SPONGE IRON POWDER AND HIGH-PURITY ATOMIZED IRON POWDER

Abstract

The mechanisms operating during the sintering of iron-phosphorus PM alloys are discussed, as well as the factors contributing to the unique combination of strength, ductility, and toughness that is characteristic of these materials. Alloying methods are reviewed with special reference to powder compressibility, tool wear during compaction, and homogenization during sintering. The preferred production method is to add phosphorus in the form of a fine Fe₃P powder to iron powder. The mechanical properties of a number of sintered steels made with and without Fe₃P additions to sponge iron or to high-purity atomized iron powders are reported. Use of atomized powder makes it possible to reach extremely high density by single pressing and the resulting phosphorus-containing sintered steels have very high ductility and impact strength. The fatigue strength is related linearly to the tensile strength, with a correlation coefficient of 0·91. It is concluded that structural factors other than those that control ductility and toughness are responsible for the fatigue resistance of sintered steels.     

高密度铁基粉末冶金零部件制造原料的研究

温压粉末原料是采用温压成形技术制造高密度粉末冶金零件的基础和温压工艺的技术核心。高价格的进口温压粉末制约了我国高密度铁基粉末冶金零件的开发与应用,因此,必须开发出符合我国国情的温压粉末原料体系。作者根据我国资源特点,采用鞍钢产水雾化铁粉、水雾化低合金钢粉和攀枝花钢铁公司产转炉烟尘铁粉为原料,进行了制备相应体系的温压粉末原料和温压工艺参数优化的研究。以水雾化铁粉为原料设计制造的Fe-1.5Ni-0.5Mo-0.5Cu-0.6C粉末经637MPa压制,温压密度为7.46g/cm~3;压坯的回弹率为0.03％.在1150℃烧结40 min后,收缩率为0.025％。而以转炉烟尘铁粉设计制造的Fe-1.5Ni-0.5Mo-0.5Cu-0.6C粉末经686 MPa压制,压坯密度达7.35g/cm~3;以Fe-1.5Ni-0.5Mo水雾化合金钢粉为原料制造的Fe-1.5Ni-0.5Mo-1.5Cu-0.8C粉末在686 MPa时压制密度为7.35g/cm~3。这些粉末原料的设计为我国高强度铁基粉末冶金零部件的制造创造了条件。     

Activated sintering of polydisperse silicon nitride mixtures

Data on the granulometric composition of the initial components on prepared stock have been considered and summarized. The effect of additional mechanical processing (grinding in a planetary ball mill and roller mill) on the compaction of silicon nitride materials during activated sintering have been investigated. The composition of the initial stock as well as the preparation for the production of dense ceramic silicon nitride materials have been optimized.     

Behaviour of metal powders during cold and warm compaction

Abstract

An instrumented die was used to investigate the behaviour of metal powders during cold (ambienttemperature) and warm (up to 140^°C) compaction. This instrument enables simultaneousmeasurement of density, die wall friction coefficient, the triaxial stresses acting on the powderduring the course of compaction and ejection pressure. Commercial iron, titanium, aluminium,316L stainless steel (SS) and aluminium–silicon powders were employed for investigation. Theresults demonstrated the advantages of powder preheating on the compaction behaviour of metalpowders concerning green density, dimensional changes, frictional behaviour, ejectioncharacteristics and compactibility. However, the outlines also determined that the response ofthe non-ferrous powders to powder preheating is somehow different from those of the ferrouspowders. In this context, the behaviour of prealloy aluminium–silicon powders during compactionwas found of particular interest, as their compactibility is strongly affected by powder preheating,whereas the dimensional changes after ejection decrease considerably. This article presents theeffect of cold and warm compaction on the consolidation and ejection characteristics of ferrousand non-ferrous metal powders. The influence of compaction condition (pressure andtemperature) with considering of the powder characteristics and densification mechanisms areunderlined.     

Syntheses of full-density nanocrystalline titanium nitride compacts by plasma-activated sintering of mechanically reacted powder

Nearly equiatomic nanocrystalline titanium nitride (Ti₅₆N₄₄) powder with an average grain size of 5 nm has been synthesized by ball milling elemental Ti powder under nitrogen gas flow at room temperature. During the first stage of reactive ball milling (RBM) (time <3.6 ks), the metallic Ti powder tends to agglomerate to form powder particles with a larger diameter. At the second stage (3.6 to 22.0 ks), the agglomerated particles of Ti fragment to form smaller particles. These smaller particles that have new or fresh surfaces begin to react with the milling atmosphere (nitrogen) during the third stage of milling (22 to 86 ks) to form TiN powder coexisting with unreacted Ti powder. Toward the end of milling (86 to 173 ks), a single phase of nanocrystalline TiN (NaCl structure) is obtained. The powder of this end-product has a spherical-like morphology with an average particle size of about 0.4 μm diameter. A sintering procedure using plasma activation has been employed to consolidate the powder particles at several stages of the RBM. The as-milled and as-consolidated powders have been characterized as a function of the RBM time by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical metallography, and chemical analyses. Density measurements of the consolidated samples show that after 86 to 173 ks of the RBM time, the compacted samples are essentially fully dense (above 96 pct of the theoretical density for TiN). The results also show that the consolidated TiN compacts still maintain their unique nanocrystalline properties with an average grain size of about 65 nm. The hardness and some mechanical properties of the consolidated TiN compacts have been determined as a function of the RBM time.     

Effect of Molybdenum Additions on Compaction during Sintering of Fine-Grained Iron-Copper Pseudoalloys

The effect of added molybdenum powder on compaction and the properties of sintered fine-grained iron-copper pseudoalloys is studied. The original powder mixtures are prepared by mechanical alloying, and the original powder particle size in mixtures does not exceed 0.5 μm. Specimens are sintered in the range 600-1130°C. It is shown that addition of molybdenum powder to the original charge accelerates compaction of fine pseudoalloys in both the solid phase and liquid-phase sintering compared with compaction of the same pseudoalloys without adding molybdenum. After solid-phase sintering the maximum relative density of specimens is 98.8%, and after liquid-phase sintering it is 99.3%. The main reasons for acceleration of compaction are prolonged retention of a fine-grained structure of sintered specimens up to the melting temperature for the phase based on copper and mutual diffusion between iron and molybdenum; to a significant extent the latter occurs during specimen heating in the solid phase.