Introduction
Metal powder metallurgy sintering is a process used to improve surface properties, increase melting temperature and modify the composition of metals without melting the alloy. It has been used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics. Carbon steel, a type of steel that contains up to 2.1% carbon, is one of the most commonly used materials in the powder metallurgy sintering process. In this study, a powdered metallurgy sintered carbon steel (F012J) was used to investigate its metallurgical characteristics. The objective of this study was to characterize the microstructure and mechanical properties of the F012J steel after being sintered in powder metallurgical conditions.
Materials and Methods
The powdered metallurgical carbon steel used in the experiment was identified as F012J. The steel was cut into small pieces and then put through a series of tests and inspections including optical microscope, hardness testing, and chemical analysis. The density of the sintered material was measured at 1.62 g/cm3.
The hardness of the sintered F012J sample was measured with a conventional Rockwell hardness tester. The sample was first cleaned with alcohol and degreaser. The sample was then applied to the indenter and the machine was activated to apply an initial load. After the test, the hardness value was recorded.
The microstructure of the F012J sample was examined using optical microscopy. The sample was first prepared by polishing and etching. Then the sample was mounted on a light microscope.
The metallurgical characteristics of the F012J sample were investigated by chemical analysis. The composition of the steel sample was analyzed using optical emission spectroscopy (OES).
Results
The hardness of the sintered F012J sample was measured at 23 Rockwell C and the density of the sample was measured at 1.62 g/cm3.
The microstructure examination of the F012J sample under light microscopy revealed a microstructure composed of microvoid regions, ferrite, and pearlite. The microvoids were small in size (less than 5 m) and had an irregular shape. The ferrite was identified as the light-colored regions and had a fine grain structure. The pearlite was identified as the dark-colored regions and had a larger grain structure.
The chemical analysis of F012J sample revealed a composition of 0.3% carbon, 0.3% manganese, 0.05% phosphorus, 0.05% sulfur, 0.07% nitrogen, 0.2% chromium, 0.1% molybdenum, 0.025% niobium and 0.02% Nickel.
Discussion
The results of this study revealed the metallurgical characteristics of the F012J steel after being sintered in powder metallurgical conditions. The sintered F012J sample had a hardness of 23 Rockwell C and a density of 1.62 g/cm3. Additionally, the microstructure of the sintered sample was composed of microvoids, ferrite, and pearlite, and the chemical analysis revealed a composition of 0.3% carbon, 0.3% manganese, 0.05% phosphorus, 0.05% sulfur, 0.07% nitrogen, 0.2% chromium, 0.1% molybdenum, 0.025% niobium and 0.02% Nickel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the metallurgical characteristics of the F012J steel sintered in powder metallurgical conditions has been characterized. The sintered F012J sample had a hardness of 23 Rockwell C and a density of 1.62 g/cm3. Furthermore, the microstructure of the sample was composed of microvoids, ferrite, and pearlite and the composition of the steel sample was determined as 0.3% carbon, 0.3% manganese, 0.05% phosphorus, 0.05% sulfur, 0.07% nitrogen, 0.2% chromium, 0.1% molybdenum, 0.025% niobium, and 0.02% Nickel. This information could be used to design and manufacture components made from F012J steel for specific applications.
