New method for measuring and characterisation of friction coefficient at wide range of densities in metal powder compaction

Abstract

In order to investigate the friction behaviour of powder during compaction, a new method has been developed. Compaction is a complicated process and direct and continuous measurement of the coefficient of friction is not easy, because the coefficient of friction varies due to changes in such process parameters as pressure distributions, powder surface deformation etc. In this paper, a new device for measuring the coefficient of friction between metal powder particles in contact with the die wall during compaction is presented. Using the conventional methods for direct measurement of the radial pressure during compaction is very difficult. The new device offers the possibility of investigating the normal pressure on the powder particles directly and continuously by keeping the green density constant. The measurements are performed using strain gauges mounted on the upper punch. The upper punch surface in the new device corresponds to the die wall in a conventional press. The sliding velocity, compaction velocity, normal load and temperature can be monitored and controlled. Measurement of the coefficient of friction at low densities is one of the advantages and possible applications of this apparatus. The investigation shows that the powder compaction is controlled by a combination of powder rearrangement and elastic and plastic deformation of particles. At densities below 4g cm^-3 the dominant process is particle rearrangement. No plastic deformation occurs at such low values of density. At densities above 4·5g cm^-3 the plastic deformation of the powder surface in contact with the die wall seems to be completed and the coefficient of friction is more or less constant.     

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.     

含水量和粘结剂含量对硬质合金粉末压坯强度的影响

将硬质合金粉末和聚乙烯醇(PVA)水溶液按一定比例混合、球磨,经喷雾造粒后进行压制成型,研究了含水量和粘结剂含量对粉料特性和压坯强度的影响.研究结果表明:随着含水量的增加,粉料松装密度减小,流动性变差,压坯强度增加.水含量控制在0.06 wt%～0.14 wt%较为适宜,此时的粉料适合自动压制成型,压坯强度较高;当粘结剂含量从1.0 wt%增加到2.0 wt%时,压坯强度从0.76 MPa增加到1.93 MPa,当加入的PVA含量从2.0wt%增加到2.4 wt%时,压坯强度有减小的趋势.在保证坯体强度的前提下,合适的粘结剂含量为1.6 wt%～2.2 wt%.