Pulse Electric Current Sintering of Iron-Base Powders Prepared by High Energy Milling

Abstract:

Fe-2Cu-2Ni-1Mo-0.8C (wt. pct) alloys were successfully fabricated from elemental mixed powders by high energy milling and pulse electric current sintering, and the effects of milling time and sintering parameters on the densification degree, microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture characteristic of sintered material were investigated. Results showed that with increasing milling time, pulse electric current peak and sintering time, the density and transverse rupture strength of sintered alloy were improved. However, higher pulse electric current peak and/or longer sintering time were unfavorable to the density and strength of sintered alloy, because of generating overhigh sintering temperature. The density and transverse rupture strength of sintered alloy could reach 7.74
103 kg/m3 and 2231 MPa, respectively, and the corresponding fracture morphology was characterized as intergranular fracture.