Cu redistribution during sintering of Fe-2Cu and Fe-2Cu-0·5C compacts

• Published in: Powder metallurgy Vol. 57; no. 5; pp. 373 - 379
• Main Authors: Tahir, A. M., Amberg, G., Hedström, P., Bergman, O., Frisk, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England Taylor & Francis 01.12.2014; SAGE Publications
• Subjects: Cu redistribution kinetics; Dictra; Diffusion; Dilatometry; Microstructure; Powder metallurgical steels; SEM/EDXS; Wetting; Dilatometry; Powder metallurgical steels; Cu redistribution kinetics; Wetting; SEM/EDXS; Dictra; Diffusion; Microstructure
• ISSN: 0032-5899; 1743-2901; 1743-2901
• DOI: 10.1179/1743290114Y.0000000085

The effective use of alloying elements in powder metallurgical steels requires a deep understanding of their redistribution kinetics during sintering. In this work, interrupted sintering trials of Fe-2Cu and Fe-2Cu-0·5C compacts were performed. Moreover, diffusion simulations of Cu in γ-Fe using Dictra were performed. It is found that transient liquid phase penetrates the Fe interparticle and grain boundaries in less than 3 min of holding time. However, C addition limits the penetration of liquid Cu, particularly into grain boundaries of large Fe particles. The results also show that the mean diffusion distance of Cu in γ-Fe in the C added system is slightly lower than that in the C-free system at 3 min of holding time; however, after 33 min, the mean diffusion distance is similar in both systems. The diffusion distances of Cu in γ-Fe, predicted by Dictra, are in good agreement with the measured values.