Porous tungsten with controlled porosity by low temperature sintering

Abstract

Porous tungsten as a high current density cathode is one of the important applications of the metal, which is mostly used in high temperature conditions due to its exceptional resistance to melting (T _m = 3410±20°C). Its porous form has been a crucial component of dispenser cathodes used in electronic valves and high power lamps. Porous tungsten skeleton forms the matrix, which is then impregnated with an electron emissive compound. Upon every emission from the surface, new material has to be fed into the surface pores via the open pore channels. Hence it may be proposed that a uniform porosity is needed for a better performance. However, a controlled porosity has not been achieved yet. Moreover, sintering of tungsten has always been difficult due to the extreme process conditions. A high sintering temperature (T _s≥2000°C) and a strong reductive atmosphere (hydrogen) have been the absolute necessity in making these parts. This study further explores an alternative sintering technique being developed. The idea is based on the reactive sintering concept. The energy output from the exothermic reactive system of tungsten oxide and aluminium has been the heat source for sintering porous tungsten. As a result, sintering temperature and time have been reduced considerably. Higher homogeneity, thus more uniform pore distribution, was observed. A better control of porosity related to the pressing and sintering conditions was achieved by the characterisation method previously developed. Microhardness has been a useful monitor of the scatter in porosity of the parts. Throughout the study, SEM was used to observe the porous structures and powder morphologies. DSC and XRD were useful to follow the microstructural evolution in the reactive system.     

Turning and drilling of parts made from sinter hardenable steel powders

Abstract

The constant demand for improved mechanical properties and lower production costs of PM parts has lead to the development of sinter hardenable steel powders. These powders produce fully martensitic microstructures by appropriately controlling the cooling rate during the sintering operation. Thus, the heat treatment operation (oil quenching) that would generally be required to obtain hardened parts can be eliminated. However, machining of the relatively hard sinter hardened parts is difficult.It then becomes critical to optimise the tool selection and the machining conditions, such as surface speed and feed. This paper presents guidelines for the turning and drilling of parts made with sinter hardenable powders, as well as a discussion on the effect of manganese sulphide particles and chip formation during turning.     

New method to prepare iron particles with different morphologies: a way to get high green strength metal compacts

Abstract

Metaliron powders of well controlled size and morphology were synthesised by thermal decomposition under hydrogen of precipitated ferrous oxalates. Green compacts were prepared by uniaxial pressing of metal powders at 290 MPa. The bending green strengths of compacts were measured.

The precipitation of β-FeC₂O₄.2H₂O oxalate from ammonium oxalate gives rise to the formation of spherical particles by aggregation ofelongated grains. Thermal decomposition of this oxalate from 400 to 500°C under hydrogen permits metal iron particles with a rough surface to be obtained. Decomposition occurring above 500°C induces a smoothness of the particle surface. Metal particles synthesised at 500°C show both surface roughness and micrometer sized primary grains.This specific microstructure has allowed the highest value ofcompact green strength (31·7 MPa) to be obtained.

Acicular shaping of the β-FeC₂O₄.2H₂O particles precipitated from oxalic acid involves, after decomposition, an increase in the surface roughness and shape irregularity of the metal particles, owing to an entanglement of the elementary grains. An exceptional value (about 60 MPa) for the metal compact green strength was thus obtained for this type of powder.     

SPS烧结M42粉末冶金高速钢的显微组织与性能

采用放电等离子烧结技术(SPS)制备了M42粉末冶金高速钢,研究了SPS烧结M42粉末冶金高速钢及其热处理后的显微组织与性能。结果表明:与普通粉末冶金高速钢相比,SPS烧结制备的M42粉末冶金高速钢显微组织均匀、晶粒细小、无碳化物偏析。经过在1180℃×5min×550℃×1h的热处理后,硬度比普通粉末冶金高速钢提高1～2HRC。     

Effect of solution treatment under load on microstructure and fabrication of porous NiTi shape memory alloy by self-propagating high temperature synthesis

Abstract

Porous NiTi shape memory alloy was fabricated by self-propagating high temperature synthesis. Effects of solution treatment under load applied on the microstructure were investigated. The densities of the phases changed insignificantly with solution treatment but the intermetallic phases such as Ti₂Ni, Ni₄Ti₃ and Ni₃Ti₂ disappeared and the density of B2(NiTi) phase increased with the load applied during solution treatment. Consequently, porous NiTi SMA with ideal pore characteristics, high chemical homogeneity and high strength for hard tissue implants was obtained.