Influence of Mg on sintering of 90/10 elemental bronze

Abstract

Magnesium is frequently added to Cu powder in the atomisation process to obtain a higher particle surface. Mg tends to oxidise very easily leading to the formation of MgO on powder particles. This phenomenon increases with temperature. Unfortunately the presence of this surface oxide hinders the sintering process. Three different Cu powders were produced with three different Mg amounts. These powders were used in the production of 90/10 elemental bronzes. The sintering behaviour of the bronzes was studied by means of dilatometry and DSC. Partial sintering at temperatures lower than the sintering temperature was also carried out in order to understand the microstructural evolution of these compacts. It was seen that there is a specific amount of Mg that produces the most positive effects on the sintering process and final bronze characteristics.

Keywords:

• SINTERING
• ELEMENTAL BRONZE