Effect of Sintering Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical and Bearing Properties of Iron Containig 15% Tribaloy

Abstract

Tribaloy particles with a microstructure of a hard Laves phase in ductile cobalt or nickel matrix can be incorporated in bronze and steel materials by powder metallurgical methods. The Tribaloy content and the compacting and sintering conditions determine the microstructure and the mechanical and tribological properties of these materials. In this investigation the influence of the sintering temperature on the properties of Fe–Tribaloy mixtures was studied. Higher sintering temperature improves the bonding between Tribaloy particles and iron matrix; however, it decreases the heterogeneity of the composite which is necessary for optimum performance under conditions of dry or mixed friction. The best bearing materials are produced at intermediate sintering temperatures where a compromise between mechanical strength and tribological performance can be achieved. PM/0180     

Influence of coke breeze particle size on quality of sinter

Abstract

Iron ore sintering is an extremely complex process involving fuel combustion to generate heat and reducing gases like CO. This heat allows physicochemical, solid and solid–liquid reactions to form liquids of complex components as fuel particles are consumed and cooling processes allow the formation of solid mineral phases. At JSW coke breeze from coke ovens is used as solid fuel in sinter. The properties (size) of the solid fuel play a very important role in determining the sinter microstructural properties and sinter quality. The microstructure of the sinter is a basic necessity and also the first step towards establishing the structural property relationship. Microstructural studies have been carried out to understand the effect of coke breeze particle size on sinter microstructure and sinter properties. The present paper is an attempt to understand and correlate the physical and metallurgical properties of sinter with varying size of the coke breeze particle in sinter mix. It was observed that as the proportion of coke breeze below 3 mm in the sinter mix increased from 53·0 to 90·0% the calcium ferrite phase increased, the number of bigger size pores decreased, and thereby decreased the reduction degradation index (?3·15 mm) of sinter from 39·7 to 23·5%. Superior sinter properties were obtained with the ?3 mm coke breeze size ～90% in the sinter mix.     

Influence of magnesia on iron ore sinter properties and productivity

Abstract

Dolomite and other MgO bearing materials are being increasingly used as basic flux constituents for production of fluxed sinters. Addition of flux materials in sinter influences the resultant sinter microstructure and chemical properties. The physical and metallurgical properties of sinter mainly depend on mineralogy of the sinter. Dolomite is the source of double carbonate of calcium and magnesium. Recent studies reveal that, apart from the additional fuel needed, the addition of dolomite and MgO bearing material greatly influences the magnetite content and the properties of the sinter produced. The increasing use of MgO bearing fluxes in the blast furnace burden, and the trend to incorporate a major part of fluxes in the sinter mix led to an investigation of the influence of MgO on sinter properties and productivity. In this study, the systematic investigation has been made on the influence of MgO% (1·4 to 2·6) on sinter mineralogy and sinter properties with dolomite. Microstructural examination of dolomite sinter revealed that hematite and calcium ferrite phases decreased whereas magnetite phase increased with increase in MgO percentage in sinter. From the laboratory pot grate sintering results it was found that sinter reduction degradation index improved whereas tumbler index and reducibility decreased with increase in MgO%.     

Microstructural and mechanical characterisation of some sinter hardening alloys and comparisons with heat treated PM steels

Abstract

Four grades of sinter hardening materials have been compared, using industrial equipment. Three powder types were completely prealloyed; the last one was a hybrid, combining prealloying and diffusion bonding. Different amounts of Cu have been added by mixing. The lubricated mixes, containing 0.6% graphite, have been compacted at different pressures, to form gears at green densities ≥7.0 g cm^?3 ; the compacts have been sintered at 1120°C, under endogas from methane and fast cooled (at least 7 K s^?1 within the range 850–400°C). The final step has been stress relieving, at 180°C, for 1 h. Material properties have been investigated, focusing on porosity, pore shape, hardness, microhardness, microstructure, local chemical composition and mechanical properties. For comparison, other gears, compacted in the same tool and at the same density level, but manufactured according to a more conventional cycle, i.e. starting from less alloyed powders and adding carbonitriding, quenching and stress relieving, have been used. The analysis of the different experimental results enabled the authors to find out and outline some criteria suitable for selecting sinter hardening materials and for choosing more reliable manufacturing conditions to fulfill specific application requirements.     

Starch consolidation of M3/2 high speed steel powder – influence of microstructure on mechanical properties

Abstract

The influence of microstructure on the mechanical properties of starch consolidated super solidus liquid phase sintered AISI type M3/2 high speed steel powder has been evaluated. Hardness measurements, Rockwell C indentation and scratch testing were used to evaluate the mechanical properties and light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for post-test characterisation. The results show that it is possible to starch consolidate and sinter large particle size high speed steel powder to obtain microstructures with high mechanical strength. However, the results show a strong correlation between the as sintered microstructure and the resulting mechanical properties and illuminate the importance of having a dense and isotropic microstructure in order to meet engineering requirements in demanding applications. Consequently, the failure mechanisms observed during indentation and scratch testing can be related to residual pores, present in the low temperature sintered samples, and a coarse microstructure with eutectic carbides, present in the high temperature sintered samples.     

POROUS BRONZE: THE EFFECTS OF SOME POWDER CHARACTERISTICS ON THE PRESSING AND SINTERING PROPERTIES

Abstract

The various tests usually applied to powders for the manufacture of porous bronze are listed. Stress is laid on the importance of consistency of materials. Variations in the important properties of each of the metallic and non-metallic ingredients, and their effect on pressing and sintering behaviour, are discussed. The conclusion reached is that a compromise on powder properties must be accepted in order to achieve economic production.     

SOME MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SAE 1045 STEEL JOINTS BONDED WITH SINTERED COMPACTS

Abstract

The physical and mechanical properties of plain steel (SAE 1045) butt joints, bonded with a sintered alloy as a filler material, are described. Sintered alloys were made from two types of iron powders–electrolytic and Swedish sponge– with various additions ranging from 7 to 20 wt.-% of an electrolytic copper powder, a prealloyed bronze powder (90% Cu+ 10% Sn), and a mechanically mixed elemental bronze powder.

The results showed that the tensile strength was not reduced as drastically as that of the copper-brazed joints, when the thickness of the bonding material (sintered alloy) was increased. The highest bond strength in tensile and fatigue testing was obtained with the sintered alloys comprising iron powder and 10 wt.-% pre alloyed bronze powder. The results indicate that there is a practical possibility of brazing steel using sintered compact as a filler material under a neutral or a reducing atmosphere.     

Modeling and processing of liquid-phase-sintered γ-TiAl during high-density infrared processing

A new method for the rapid processing of thin gage sheet of traditionally difficult-to-process materials, such as γ-TiAl, has been modeled and experimentally developed. The method uses high density infrared (HDI) rapid heating of a plasma arc lamp to liquid-phase sinter powder metal compact precursors to structures of varying densities. Material properties for precursor γ-TiAl compacts were effectively chosen or determined and then used with a finite-volume heat-transfer modeling code to model the process. With the aid of the model, processing parameters were determined that allowed for a temperature gradient across the sheet that would produce a liquid-phase cast structure on the surface, residual powder on the backside, and a middle layer solid + liquid zone. Temperature and phase fields were predicted through the thickness of the sheet using the model. Fine grain, lamellar structured materials were produced in the liquid-phase-sintered zone.     

Production and properties of metal-PTFE antifriction materials from atomized bronze powders

Conclusions An investigation into the sinterability of loosely poured atomized bronze powders has established that the porosity of resultant sintered bronze skeletons depends on the particle size and shape. The shape of the bronze powder particles has some effect on the antifriction characteristics of a metal -PTFE material, but its coefficient of friction and wear resistance are affected more strongly by the composition of a solid lubricant introduced into the pores of its sintered skeleton. Using a nonspherical rather than spherical bronze powder gives a bronze saving of 15–20% without affecting the good antifriction properties of metal-PTFE materials, by increasing the porosity of their skeletons. Replacing molybdenum disulfide with graphite substantially increases the wear resistance of two-layer metal-PTFE materials and markedly decreases their cost, since the price of molybdenum disulfide is more than 20 times that of graphite.Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, No. 9(273), pp. 30–34, September, 1985.     

EURO PM2009 in cool Copenhagen

Abstract

The effect of additions of silicon powder on the sintering behaviour and microstructure of compacted 304L stainless powder has been studied. The shrinkage ratio increases substantially with silicon content. Silicon profoundly activates the sintering process through the formation of a eutectic and/or δ ferrite, which is pseudoperitectically formed during sintering. The sintering behaviour is closely related to the microstructures, which depend upon the amount of silicon addition. Ostwald ripening is encountered in the liquid phase sintered specimens (Si≤3 wt-%). The solid phase sintered materials (Si≥ wt-%) containing δ ferrite densify more rapidly than the liquid phase sintered ones. The densification kinetics are governed by the wetting characteristics of the eutectic liquid and the formation of ferrite. As a result of the silicon addition, the austenitic stainless steel powder aggregates are sintered into duplex stainless steels with austenite-ferrite structures. PM/0395     

Development of fluxed micropellets for sintering utilising iron oxide waste fines

Abstract

Ultrafine iron oxide wastes such as slime, blue dust and Linz–Donawitz (LD) converter sludge have very limited use in sintering of iron ore due to their excessive fineness (?50 μm). Pelletisation of these ultrafine materials for use in blast furnace involves high temperature curing, which is a highly energy intensive process. Briquetting of LD sludge requires costly binders and contains high moisture, which creates problem at high temperature of the downstream process. In order to alleviate these problems, the current study has developed a process for preparing micropellets of waste iron oxide fines (2–6 mm size) without using any binder. The strength of the micropellet has been increased by a novel CO₂ treatment process at room temperature. Developed micropellets exhibit very suitable drop strength (125 Nos), tumbler properties and cold compressive strength (～9 kg/pellet) to withstand cold handling. Low lime containing micropellets have the possibility of being used as a mixed material in usual sinter making, and high lime containing micropellets may be exploited for making super fluxed sinter that can be used as synthetic flux in the basic oxygen furnace process towards the formation of low melting oxidising slag at the early stage of blow.     

Sintering behaviour of Al-6061 powder produced by rapid solidification process

Abstract

Complex aluminium alloy components fabricated by powder metallurgy (P/M) offer the promise of a low cost and high strength-to-weight ratio, which meets the demands of the automotive sector. This paper describes the die compaction and sintering response of an atomised Al-6061 alloy powder containing Mg and Si produced by rapid solidification. A design of experiments is used involving three levels for each of the die compaction pressure, sintering temperature, peak temperature hold time and heating rate. Three trials were used to obtain the optimum press sinter processing conditions. Besides the mechanical properties, phase transformation and microstructure are investigated. Supplemental insight is gained through thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and SEM with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Analysis of variation is used to quantify the contribution of each design variable to the mechanical properties.     

Microstructural characterisation of Ti–Nb–(Fe–Cr) alloys obtained by powder metallurgy

Abstract

β alloys based on the Ti–Nb alloy system are of growing interest to the biomaterial community. The addition of small amounts of Fe and Cr further increases β-phase stability, improving the properties of Ti–Nb alloy. However, PM materials sintered from elemental powders are inhomogeneous due to restricted solid state diffusion and mechanical alloying provides a route to enhance mixing and elemental diffusion. The microstructural characteristics and bend strength of Ti–Nb–(Fe–Cr) alloys obtained from elemental powder mixture and mechanical alloyed powders are compared. Mechanical alloying gives more homogeneous compositions and particle morphology, characterised by rounded, significantly enlarged particles. In the sintered samples α and β phase are observed. The α phase appears at the grain boundaries and in lamellae growing inward from the edge, and is depleted in Nb. The β phase is enriched with Nb, Fe and Cr. The addition of Fe and Cr significantly increases the mechanical properties of Ti–Nb alloys, providing increased ductility.     

Book Review

Abstract

Currently available compaction-ready aluminium powders enable sintered preforms to be readily produced by the powder metallurgy route. Aluminium bearing materials with good sliding properties can be produced by sintering-in abrasion-resistant particles or by using alloy powders with homogeneously distributed lead additions. Reactively ground and mechanically alloyed granulates with dispersoid particles of oxides, carbides, and inter-metallic compounds provide high-temperature PM materials with improved properties. New techniques for powder production provide aluminium alloy powders with extraordinary metallurgical effects within the particles and controlled properties. The consolidation of rapidly solidified aluminium alloy powders into high-strength PM semiproducts has considerably enlarged the potential of aluminium powder metallurgy. The aims of numerous worldwide development projects in powder metallurgy are to improve conventional aluminium alloys and develop new alloys which cannot be produced by the . traditional melting route. PM/0253     

采用粉末冶金技术制取ZQpb25-5材料的研究

采用粉末冶金技术制取的铅青铜材料ZQpb25-5,组织成分均匀、晶粒细小,铅呈细点状和不连续的网状均匀分布在α相晶粒边界,α相基体里有大量孪晶,未发现树枝状晶。本文研究了粉末冶金铅青铜材料的制造和性能。     

The effects of MgO and Al2O3 behaviours on softening–melting properties of high basicity sinter

Because the behaviours of MgO and Al₂O₃ during slag formation of high basicity sinter are not clearly understood, the effects of MgO and Al₂O₃ on softening-melting properties are always arguable. In this paper, four kinds of sinter containing different MgO and Al₂O₃ content are investigated. Some observations are obtained. The mechanism of the influence of MgO and Al₂O₃ on softening properties of sinter are different. Al₂O₃ has priority over MgO to enter into slag phase and forms low-melting point phase while MgO remains unslagged state and mainly exists in wustite as FeO–MgO solid solution. When sinter melts, the viscosity of the slag generated from sinter containing high MgO and Al₂O₃ content is low, which could result in low pressure drop. As MgO and Al₂O₃ content increase, the main minerals of residual slag change from 2CaO?SiO₂ to merwinte and melilite. The changes of the minerals in slag phase can well explain the trend of softening-melting characteristic temperatures.     

Influence of sinter grate suction pressure (flame front speed) on microstructure,productivity and quality of iron ore sinter

Abstract

From a sinter production point of view, it is important to optimise the sintering process with regard to both sinter quality and production rate. In sintering, airflow rate within the sinter bed decides the production rate and its physical and metallurgical properties. To study the influence of airflow rate (flame front speed) on sinter production and sinter quality, pot grate sintering experiments were conducted at sinter grate suction pressures ranging from 900 to 1700 mm water column over the sinter bed. During sintering, time–temperature data were recorded, and mineralogical studies were carried out. This study reveals that increase in sinter grate suction pressure through the sinter bed from 900 to 1700 mm water column significantly improved the sinter productivity from 34·37 to 48·90 t/m²/day; however, the physical and metallurgical properties of the sinter at higher suction pressure were not optimum with respect to blast furnace requirements. The maximum sinter productivity with desired physical and metallurgical properties was obtained at suction pressure 1300 mm water column. At this pressure, improvement in sinter quality was due to optimum firing temperature and enough retention time available for formation of mineral phases. At an airflow rate 1300 mm water column, sinter productivity was 41·0 t/m²/day, sinter strength (TI) was 73·10%, reduction degradation index was 25·0 and reducibility was 71·50%.     

Synthesis and characterisation of Ti6Al4V/xTa alloy processed by solid state sintering

ABSTRACT

This work investigates the effect of Ta particle addition into a Ti6Al4V alloy processed by solid state sintering. The volume fraction of Ta ranged between 0 and 30?vol.-%. The sintering kinetics of powder mixes are evaluated by dilatometry. Sintered materials are characterised by SEM and XRD, and their mechanical properties are obtained from microhardness and compression tests. Sintering behaviour and final microstructure are affected by Ta particles, which slow down the densification, lower the temperature of α-to-β phase transition and stabilise the β phase. Mechanical properties, as microhardness, Young’s modulus and yield stress, depend on the microstructure reached after sintering and on the residual porosity. An equation expressing the Young’s modulus of Ti6Al4V/xTa alloy as function of x and porosity is proposed and validated. The materials with at least 20?vol.-% of Ta exhibited a high strength to modulus ratio, which is suitable for orthopaedic implants.     

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SINTER/FORGED LOW-ALLOY STEELS

Abstract

The paper describes preliminary work on sinter/forged low-alloy steels. The mechanical properties and structures of both atomized and blended alloys were investigated. By using a good-quality atomized powder of the SAE 4600 type, tensile and fatigue properties equivalent to those of wrought steels could be obtained. Atomized alloy powders with higher oxygen contents had poor ductility and impact values because of surface oxides on the powder particles.

Blended iron alloys gave tensile strengths up to 72 tonf/in² (1112 MN/m²) with much higher ductility and impact-resistance than would be obtained with conventionally pressed and sintered alloys.     

Industrial processing,microstructures and mechanical properties of Fe–(2–4)Mn (–0.85Mo)–(0.3–0.7)C sintered steels

Abstract

The potential of PM Mn steels has been established in laboratory experiments. This paper deals with sintering of Fe–(2–4)Mn–(0.3/0.7)C, also with 0˙85%Mo addition, in an industrial pusher furnace at 1180°C in an atmosphere of 25% hydrogen plus 75% nitrogen, obtained from a cryogenic liquid, giving an inlet dew-point of ?55 °C. Tensile, bend (including fatigue) and miniature Charpy specimens were sintered in flowing gases and in semiclosed containers with a getter of ferromanganese, carbon and alumina. The quenched and tem- pered state was investigated, as was sinter hardening (cooling rate of 55 K min ?1), simulated for comparison with slow cooling at 10 K min ?1. As there was no forma tion of oxide networks at the combination of sintering temperature and dewpoint, in accordance with the Ellingham–Richardson diagram for Mn oxidation/reduction, the use of semiclosed containers was superfluous. The quenched and tempered specimens were brittle. Sinter hardening lead to an improvement in mechanical properties. The reproducibility of tensile and TRS data was high for the sintered materials, characterised by Weibull moduli m of 12–41. All the alloy microstructures were complex and heterogeneous, consisting of, depending on the local manganese and carbon contents, the diffusive and non-diffusive transformation products (pearlite, bainite, martensite) and additionally ferrite and retained austenite. The highest mechanical properties in the entire range of compositions investigated in the furnace cooled state: yield, tensile and bend strengths of 499, 637 and 1280 MPa, respectively, with impact energy of 18 J, and tensile and bend strains of 1˙17 and 1.57%, were achieved for the Fe–2Mn–0.85Mo–0.5C alloy, marginally superior to Fe–2Mn–0.7C. For the sinter hardened Fe–4Mn–0.3C alloy yield, tensile and bend strengths were 570, 664 and 1263 MPa, respectively, at an acceptable impact energy of 14 J, with tensile and bend strains of 0.52% and 1.8%. Many of the results compare favourably with the requirements of MPIF standard 35. Mn is a more effective strengthening agent than either Ni or Cu, or their combination, though generally at reduced plasticity.