Farid Akhtar

Sintering behavior, microstructure and properties of TiC-FeCr hard alloy

Abstract TiC based cermets were produced with FeCr, as a binder, by conventional P/M (powder metallurgy) to near >97% of the theoretical density. Sintering temperature significantly affects the mechanical properties of the composite. The sintering temperature of >1360°C caused severe chemical reaction between TiC particles and the binder phase. In the TiC-FeCr cermets, the mechanical properties did not vary linearly with the carbide content. Optimum mechanical properties were found in the composite containing 57wt% TiC reinforcement, when sintered at 1360°C for 1 h. Use of carbon as an additive enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites. Cermets containing carbon as an additive with 49wt% TiC exhibited attractive mechanical properties. The microstructure of the developed composite contained less or no debonding, representing good wettability of the binder with TiC particles. Homogeneous distribution of the TiC particles ensured the presence of isotropic mechanical properties and homogeneous distribution of stresses in the composite. Preliminary experiments for evaluation of the oxidation resistance of FeCr bonded TiC cermets indicate that they are more resistant than WC-Co hardmetals.

Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Tungsten Heavy Alloys

Mechanical properties of tungsten heavy alloys are dependent on many factors including the purity of the raw materials, their tungsten content, manufacturing parameters and the microstructure of the final compact. The main object of this research was to examine the effect of sintering conditions (temperature and time) on the microstructure of tungsten heavy alloys and how the resulting modification of the microstructure can be used to optimize their mechanical properties. Alloys composed of 88%, 93% and 95% wt. of tungsten with the balance of Ni: Fe in the ratio of 7:3 were consolidated into green compacts. Samples of each of the three resulting alloys were sintered at different temperatures (1350°C,1450°C and 1500 0C) for different sintering holding times (3 and 30 minutes) in hydrogen atmosphere. Standard metallographic procedures were used to obtain SEM micrographs. The mechanical properties of tungsten heavy alloys were found to be dependent on the microstructural parameters such as W particle size, solid volume fraction, connectivity and w-w contiguity. It was shown that the mechanical properties of the alloys, and especially their ductility, are harmed when tungsten grains are contiguous.

Effect of additive Cu-10Sn alloy on sintering Behavior of elemental powders in composition of 465 stainless steel

The addition of Cu-10Sn alloy for developing the high strength 465 maraging stainless steel from elemental powders was studied. The sintering parameters investigated include the sintering temperature, the sintering time, and the mass percent of Cu-10Sn. For vacuum sintering, effective sintering occurs at temperature between 1 250 °C and 1 300 °C. The maximum sintered density was achieved at 1 300 °C for 60 min with 3% (in mass percent) Cu-10Sn alloy. More than 3% (in mass percent) Cu-10Sn content and temperature above 1 300 °C caused slumping of the samples. A maximum density of 7. 4 g/cm3 was achieved with 3% (in mass percent) Cu-10Sn content at a sintering temperature of 1 300 °C for 60 min. A maximum ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 517 MPa was achieved with 3% (in mass percent) Cu-10Sn content. With content higher than 2% (in mass percent) Cu-10Sn, a maximum increase in the density was observed. The fracture morphologies of the sintered samples are also reported.

A new kind of age hardenable martensitic stainless steel with high strength and toughness

Abstract Following analysis of typical age hardenable martensitic stainless steels, a new kind of maragingstainless was developed. The new maraging stainless steel showed high strength, ultimate tensilestrength (UTS) 5 1670 MPa, high toughness, K IC 5 83·9 MPa m1/2 and hardness as high as 478 HVin the age hardened condition. Microstructural study with an optical and transmission electron microscope revealed the typical microstructure of age hardenable stainless steel containing lathmartensite and precipitates. TixNi precipitates were identified by transmission electron microscopy, which were responsible for the increase in mechanical properties after age hardening. The results of natural salt spray test showed that the corrosion resistance of new maraging stainless steel approached to the corrosion resistance of 304L stainless steel.

On the Microstructure and Properties of Tungsten Heavy Alloys

In this research, the effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties of tungsten heavy alloys is discussed. The tensile properties of tungsten heavy alloys are found to be dependent on volume fraction of W, contiguity and grain size of W particle. The ductility is found to be influenced by contiguity and connectivity. The volume fraction of matrix increases sharply with the increase in rare metal oxide impurity, which adversely affects the mechanical properties of tungsten heavy alloys.

High Volume Fraction Carbide Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites for Sliding Contact Applications

This study deals with the processing, microstructure and properties of the carbide reinforced copper matrix composites. Powder technology was used to successfully fabricate the composites. NbC particulates were used as reinforcements for copper matrix. The microstructure of the composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The microstructural study revealed that the NbC particles were distributed uniformly in the matrix phase. No interface debonding and micro- cracks were observed in the composite. NbC particles were found in round shape in copper matrix composite. The composite hardness of 78 HRA was found with 60vol% NbC content. Electrical conductivity as high as 7%IACS was achieved. The wear performance and conductivity value predicts that NbC reinforced copper matrix composites can be used as sliding contact applications.