Electrochemical behaviour of sintered,yttria reinforced ferritic stainless steels

Abstract

The electrochemical behaviour of 434L ferritic stainless steels produced by the powder metallurgy (PM) route has been studied. The effects of sintering temperature (1250 and 1400°C) and dispersoid addition (10%Y₂O₃) have been investigated by potent iodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance studies in 0·05 M H₂SO₄ solution. All the alloys exhibited active-passive behaviour in the electrolyte. The critical current density for passivation was lower in the case of the PM samples when compared with 430, which has been attributed to the presence of Mo in the samples. The passive current density of the PM samples correlated with the sintered porosities. All the other passivation parameters were similar for the materials. The nature of passive film was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A lower capacitance (i.e. more corrosion resistant) surface film was obtained after sintering at the higher temperature. Yttria dispersoids in ferritic stainless steel decreased the corrosion resistance of the surface film after sintering at the higher temperature, whereas they did not significantly affect the surface film behaviour after lower sintering temperature. The results have been correlated to microstructural parameters of the PM materials.     

Volume changes of binary mixtures during solid state sintering

Abstract

The influence of the mixture concentration on densification of Fe-Cr, Fe-Mo, and Ti-Cu compacts during solid state sintering were investigated. The hypothesis was put forward before that only S and V shaped curves for concentration dependencies of densification exist as a result of solid phase sintering of mixtures. It was shown, in this paper, that the above idea on the existence only two types of the plots was correct. These curve shapes can be explained on the basis of diffusion interaction of metals, applying the multiparticle model of a two component compact.     

THE FORMATION OF URANIUM AND OF BERYLLIUM ALLOYS BY THE SOLID-STATE SINTERING OF MIXED ELEMENTAL POWDERS

Abstract

Large volume expansions accompany the formation of binary alloys of beryllium with uranium, thorium, iron, copper, zirconium, titanium, and vanadium, and of uranium with aluminium, during the sintering of the mixed, cold-compacted elemental powders. No expansion was detected during the sintering of binary mixtures of beryllium with aluminium, silicon, and magnesium, or mixtures of uranium with zirconium, molybdenum, iron, nickel, manganese, and chromium.

When it occurs, expansion is anisotropic, being greatest in the direction of compacting; the degree of anisotropy varies with the constituents and the composition of the alloys. In systems undergoing expansion, the volume expansion/composition graphs exhibit maxima. For a given system the magnitude of the maximum is a function of the shape of compact, the particle size of the powders, and the sintering time and temperature; the composition at which the maximum occurs is sensibly unaffected by these latter variables.

These experimental observations, together with those of other investigators, can be satisfactorily interpreted on the hypothesis that volume expansion is due to the formation of diffusional porosity during sintering.     

Fabrication of ultrafine and nanocrystalline WC–Co mixtures by planetary milling and subsequent consolidations

Abstract

In this work ultrafine and nanocrystalline WC–Co mixtures were obtained by low energy milling in planetary ball mill. The effect of the processing conditions on the reduction and distribution of the grain sizes and the internal strains level were studied. The characterisation of the powder mixtures was performed by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Observations through SEM and TEM images showed a particle size below 100 nm, after milling. The X-ray diffraction profile analysis revealed a WC phase refined to a crystallite size of 19 nm.

The mixtures obtained have been consolidated and mechanical and microstructurally characterised. The results show improvements in resistant behaviour of the material consolidated from nanocrystalline powders, in spite of the grain growth experienced during the sintering. The best results were found for the material obtained by wet milling during 100 h, which presents values of hardness higher than 1800 HV.     

Distortion in a sintered 7000 series aluminium alloy

Abstract

The 7000 series aluminium alloys processed using elemental powder mixtures are prone to distortion, which is manifest as hourglassing or waisting in cylindrical specimens. By characterising the density distribution using hardness measurements, it is shown that the green density is not evenly distributed through a part, even though aluminium is relatively soft and readily compacted. Because the density equilibrates during sintering, the non-uniform green density leads to distortion. The cause of this distortion is a result of differential shrinkage, which occurs during sintering as well as on solidification during cooling from sintering. Distortion can be controlled by increasing the compaction pressure, which homogenises the green density and does not affect the tensile properties.     

THE SINTERING OF URANIUM-CARBON-IRON ALLOYS IN THE PRESENCE OF A LIQUID PHASE

Abstract

The preparation of uranium mono carbide bodies containing ～1% open porosity and with a density of ～12·4 g/c.c. by cold compacting and sintering uranium/graphite mixtures is described. The effect of iron additions in producing a liquid phase during sintering has been studied, and it is shown that the addition of 10 wt.-% UFe₂ to the stoichiometric mixture of uranium and graphite raises the sintered density to ～13·1 g/c.c. and reduces the open porosity to ～0·5%. The mechanism of carbide formation and densification in the presence of a liquid phase is discussed.     

Nanostructure Cu–Cr alloy with high dissolved Cr contents obtained by mechanical alloying process

Abstract

A nanostructural solid solution of Cu–Cr was prepared by the mechanical alloying process. Three mixtures of Cu powders with 1, 3 and 6 wt-%Cr powders were milled under 250 rev min^?1 for different milling times of 4, 12, 48 and 96 h. The mixtures were subsequently compacted and sintered at 450, 600 and 750°C for half an hour. Milled powder mixtures were examined by X-ray diffraction technique, which showed the presence of nanoscale crystallites in the samples and the decrease of lattice parameter of Cu crystals. Sintered powders were investigated by optical microscope and their hardnesses were measured by microhardness. Results showed increasing trends in hardness of the compacted powder mixtures with increasing milling time. Sintering temperature had also evident effects on the behaviour of powder mixtures. As sintering temperature increased, microhardness increased and a peak appeared then a decreasing trend was observed.     

Gamma-Nitriding of Porous Iron PM Components

Abstract

The heat-treatment and properties of some ferrous sintered alloys are investigated. The approach has been to introduce nitrogen to enhance the heat-treatment response during the heat-treatment cycle. The process is known as γ-nitriding to distinguish it from the ferritic nitriding process which is a surface-hardening treatment. Addition of H₂S to the γ-nitriding atmosphere may be used to improve machinability. It is suggested that the economics of the process may be favourable enough for the process to be commercially viable.     

AN ELECTRON-MICROSCOPE AND X-RAY INVESTIGATION OF THE MILLING OF TUNGSTEN CARBIDE/COBALT MIXTURES

Abstract

It is well known that some interaction takes place between the two components when mixtures of cobalt and tungsten carbide are milled. To gain a further insight into this phenomenon, the milling process has been studied by means of the electron microscope and by the BET and X-ray methods.

During the milling of cobalt powder the number of stacking faults and the amount of the hexagonal phase both increase. On milling 80:20 tungsten carbide/cobalt mixtures increasing agglomeration of cobalt and fine tungsten carbide particles was found with rise in milling intensity. The larger tungsten carbide particles appeared to have a smooth surface. However, if the cobalt was dissolved in hydrochloric acid, the true surface of the tungsten carbide particles was revealed. This became rougher with increasing milling intensity. From this it can be concluded that, during milling, cobalt settles between the surface irregularities.

The variation in distribution of the cobalt that results from different milling conditions leads to a difference in sintering behaviour. A dilatometric study has been made of this aspect.

The original particle size of the cobalt used for hard-metal mixtures does not affect the properties of the sintered product, if the mixtures are milled very intensively.     

Influence of nature and particle size distribution on granulation of iron ore mixtures used in a sinter strand

Abstract

The ore mixture granulation process is described and the granulation fitness of a series of iron ores forming part of the mixture is studied. Good granulation and control of the maximum sintering temperature makes it possible to achieve the optimum sinter structure, formed by a hematite nucleus surrounded by a lattice of acicular ferrites. The granulation fitness of ore mixtures used to manufacture a series of sinters in a pilot plant are also determined. It is verified that sinters with an optimum structure have been obtained. A series of iron ores are classified using the granulation index (G index). The evolution of the G index of ore mixtures used in ACERALIA during recent years is considered and it is verified how improvement of the G index increases productivity and decreases coke consumption in the sinter strand.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DEGREE OF MIXING IN LIQUID-PHASE SINTERING EXPERIMENTS

Abstract

Homogeneity of mixing plays an important role in liquid-phase sintering. In order to describe quantitatively the dependence of shrinkage on the degree of mixing, six different tungsten-copper powder mixtures were prepared. These powder blends were either presintered or sintered in the presence of liquid phase. The degree of mixing in both the presintered and liquid-phase sintered samples was determined by quantitative microstructural analysis. The developed method is well able to characterize the different state of mixing in the six powder blends on a microscopic scale. It is shown that a close relation exists between the microscopically characterized degree of mixing and densification during liquid-phase sintering.     

THE PREPARATION AND SOME PROPERTIES OF CHROMIC OXIDE-CHROMIUM CERMETS MADE BY PARTIAL REDUCTION OF THE OXIDE

Abstract

Compacts of chromic oxide/carbon mixtures have been sintered in vacuum to produce oxide-metal cermets. The effect of carbon addition, type of carbon, purity of oxide, compacting pressure, and sintering temperature on the green and sintered density has been studied, and this has been supplemented by tests of hardness and compressive strength.

Considerable densification can be attained by a small addition of carbon to the powder mixture, and this is accompanied by an increase in compressive strength to 20 tons/in², compared with 3 tons/in² for the pure oxide sintered to the same temperature.     

Quasi‐in‐situ observations of the sintering behaviour of molybdenum‐alloyed sintered steels

The sintering behaviour of molybdenum pre‐alloyed sintered steels was investigated. A scanning electron microscope with a hot stage attachment was used, enabling quasi‐in‐situ observations of the sintering process. The material MSP 1.5Mo (Fe‐1.5% Mo) sinters in the austenitic phase, while MSP 3.5Mo (Fe‐3.5% Mo) sinters completely in the ferritic phase, due to the increased molybdenum mass content. The significantly higher self‐diffusion coefficient of iron in the ferritic phase leads to the accelerated sintering of MSP 3.5Mo, compared to MSP 1.5Mo. The effect on the sintering behaviour by adding the alloying elements chromium and phosphorus was also studied. While phosphorus accelerates sintering processes, chromium decreases the sintering rate. A pronounced shrinkage during non‐isothermal heating, due to cooperative particle movement, was detected for both sintered steels.     

Effectiveness of reducing agents during sintering of Cr-prealloyed PM steels

Abstract

Development of strong inter-particle necks requires successful removal of surface oxides, present on the powder particles, during the initial stages of sintering. In the case of water-atomised powder prealloyed with chromium, the surface oxide consists mainly of an iron oxide layer with some more stable fine particulate oxides. The formation of sufficiently strong inter-particle necks requires as a minimum full removal of the iron surface oxide layer. This can be achieved by gaseous reducing agents (e.g. H₂, CO or a mixture of both) or by carbon, typically admixed in the form of graphite. The reducing power of various sintering atmospheres (active gas content ≤10 vol.-%) and their combined effect with graphite has been investigated by a thermal analysis technique. Results indicate that a combination of a dry hydrogen-containing atmosphere and fine graphite allows successful sintering of chromium alloyed PM steels.     

Phase transformations in reactive sintering of tungsten

Abstract

It has been demonstrated recently that tungsten (T _m = 3410±20°C) can be sintered by reactive sintering in a reductive atmosphere such as hydrogen. This alternative technique to the conventional sintering (T _s>2000°C) makes use of a small amount of aluminium addition which acts as a sintering aid and hence lowers the sintering temperature significantly (T _s1200°C). This study explores the phase transformations that take place during reactive sintering of tungsten in view of the mechanisms involved. DSC, SEM and TEM have been used for a fundamental understanding of this system.     

THE PREPARATION AND SOME PROPERTIES OF CHROMIC OXIDE-CHROMIUM CERMETS.

Abstract

Compacts of chromium oxide/chromium mixtures have been sintered in vacuum at temperatures up to 1600°C to produce cermets. Two types of chromium powder were used—an electrolytic and an aluminothermic powder. The effect of chromium content and of sintering temperature on the sintered density and microstructure has been studied and supplemented by tests of hardness and compressive strength.

Considerable densification was achieved by additions of chromium in the range 1–50 wt.-%, with the optimum content at 5–10%. Compressive strengths < 10 tons/in² were attained over a wide range of composition.     

Production of Al–Cu and Al–Cu–Si Alloys by PM Methods

Abstract

The possibilities of the production of aluminium-base copper and/or silicon alloys by conventional powder compaction and sintering methods have been studied. The effects of various lubricants, pressing, and sintering conditions on the behaviour of Al–Cu and Al–Cu–Si alloys were evaluated systematically. The role of copper and silicon additions during compaction and sintering and their advantages or disadvantages are discussed. All alloys underwent large dimensional changes (sudden swelling followed by rapid contraction) during sintering at temperatures greater than Al–Cu eutectic temperature and it is suggested that a process of particle rearrangement is largely responsible for this behaviour. The mechanical properties of the alloys were highly dependent on the sintering temperature. PM/0215     

THE INFLUENCE OF VAN DER WAALS FORCE ON THE SINTERING OF GLASS

Abstract

The contribution of van der Waals forces to the sintering of glass particles has been estimated. The contribution appears to be small relative to surface-tension forces in practical cases, but may be of importance in the formation of the initial bond during sintering.     

Dilatometric analysis of thermal debinding of injection moulded iron compacts

Abstract

The less than desired tolerance control of powder injection moulded compacts is a result of inconsistent dimensional changes in the compacts accumulated during moulding, debinding, and sintering. This study investigated the in situ length changes and their causes during thermal debinding on compacts which have been solvent debound. The dilatometric analysis showed that the specimen shrank in the early stage between 250 and 370°C, not because of sintering, but through the loss of N, C, and O in the carbonyl iron powder. At temperatures between 370 and 450°C, the specimen expanded owing to the carburisation of the iron powder. The length change was also influenced by the heating rate, debinding atmosphere, and the amount of the backbone binder. These dilatometric results are helpful in establishing the guidelines in designing binder compositions and debinding schedules.