Homogenization Study of Molybdenum and Copper in P/M Steel

Abstract

Homogenization of 3wt% Molybdenum addition in Fe-0.7C alloy in the presence of 2wt% Cu under sinter-forged condition has been carried out. Samples alloys have been fabricated by sinter-forging route using elemental powders. Sintering was carried out at 1150^oC in N2-10%H2 atmosphere. The sintered samples were immediately forged using 100-ton friction screw forging press at the sintering temperature. Homogenization studies were carried out in two steps, the preliminary study was carried out on a press-sinter-forged compact while the final study was carried out on sinter-forged slab prepared by capsule forging. Homogenization temperature was kept at 1250^oC (heating rate of 10^oC / min) in flowing N2-10%H2 atmosphere for various durations between 1-5 hr. The extent of Mo and Cu dissolution in the Fe matrix of homogenized samples was ascertained using microstructural characterization under optical microscope, SEM and EDS analysis. The influence of initial powder particle size, sintering temperature and homogenization temperature & duration on homogenization behavior have been discussed in length.