Iron Based Materials With Improved Oxidation Resistance Prepared By Powder Metallurgy

If oxidation resistance of iron based materials at elevated temperatures is required stainless steels like 316L are used. However the manufacturing process of stainless steel parts is more expensive compared to conventional Fe-based materials. The approach of the presented work is the development of oxidation resistant Fe-based materials using a cost effective technology. Aluminium and/or Silicon were used as alloying elements added to iron as a pre-alloyed powder (CuAl, NiSi). The sintering of the mixtures consolidated at 600MPa was performed at 1120°C under hydrogen. During sintering a liquid phase is formed at 1000°C leading to a homogeneous distribution of the alloying elements in the already formed iron skeleton. The investigation of mechanical properties have shown that strength and ductility values are comparable to copper alloyed iron based materials. The oxidation resistance is considerably improved and comparable with 316L up to temperatures of 800°C.