Dissolution of Carbon in Cr-Prealloyed PM Steels: Effect of Carbon Source
Paper in proceeding, 2013

Modern water-atomized steel powder grades are characterised by presence of two types of surface oxides: thin iron oxide layer, covering more than 90% of the powder surface and more thermodynamically stable particulate oxide. Development of inter-particle necks as well as carbon dissolution in the iron matrix requires efficient removal of the iron oxide layer. Hence, carbon reactivity strongly affects efficiency of the surface oxide reduction that determines inter-particle necks development and carbon dissolution and so microstructure development. The present study is focused on the analysis of the effect of three different carbon sources – synthetic graphite, natural graphite and carbon black – on the microstructure and inter-particle necks development in Cr-alloyed PM steels. Metallographic and fractographic studies indicate that the most significant property of the carbon sources affecting carbon reactivity is the carbon powder size. Carbon black indicates highest reactivity at elevated temperatures but is fully inert at the temperatures below 900°C.

surface oxide

graphite

carbon black

alloyed sintered steels

oxide reduction

carbon dissolution

Author

Eduard Hryha

Chalmers, Materials and Manufacturing Technology, Surface and Microstructure Engineering

Lars Nyborg

Chalmers, Materials and Manufacturing Technology, Surface and Microstructure Engineering

Luigi Alzati

TIMCAL Ltd.

Proceedings EURO PM2013 Congress & Exhibition, 15-18 September 2013, Gothenburg, Sweden

Vol. 2 303-310

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Areas of Advance

Production

Subject Categories

Other Materials Engineering

Metallurgy and Metallic Materials

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Latest update

2/12/2021