Microstructural Evolution of Iron Based Alloys Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering Method

The effect of alloying additions, such as copper, carbon, and molybdenum with carbonyl iron powder, on the densification behavior, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered (SPS) compacts have been investigated in this work. The sintering temperature, pressure, and time during SPS were 1120°C, 30 MPa, and 5 min, respectively. Fe–2Cu–0.8C–0.6Mo was found to exhibit the highest density, hardness, and also tensile strength among all the compositions attempted. The microstructural examination of fractured surfaces of the sintered samples revealed the evidence of a mixed mode of fracture in all the alloy compositions.