THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HOT-RECOMPACTED IRON-NICKEL SINTERED ALLOYS

Abstract

Powder-metallurgy components which are to withstand high dynamic stress are frequently required to possess both high strength and great toughness. This combination of properties can best be achieved by increasing the density of the sintered component and one method of doing so is bot pressing.

This paper deals with the mechanical properties of sintered iron–nickel alloys produced by hot compacting in six stages, as follows:

(1) Preparation of the powder mix.

(2) Production of compacts under a pressure of 8 Mp/cm²

(3) Heating the compacts to 1000°C (1275 K).

(4) Re-pressing the hot compacts in a die heated to 300°C (575 K).

(5) Cooling in air.

(6) Sintering at optimum temperature and time under optimum furnace conditions.

The investigation covered the dependence of tensile strength, elongation at fracture, and Brinell hardness of alloys with Ni contents of 1–10% on the sintering temperature and time, on the furnace conditions, and on raw-material variables.

It was found that Fe–Ni powder-metallurgy parts with a maximum tensile strength of ～60 kp/cm² could be produced. The Brinell hardness reached 190 kp/mm² with 10% Ni content. Elongation at fracture was in the region of 45% with 1% Ni and remained comparatively satisfactory even with high Ni contents if very pure raw materials were used. Powder-metallurgy materials with a tensile strength of 60 kp/cm² and an elongation at fracture of 17% can be obtained by the process.