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Abstract
An investigation of the powder metallurgy of ruthenium is described, from the reduction of ammonium ruthenium chloride to the working of sintered compacts. The powder properties measured were specific surface area, by a simplified BET method, and tap density. The dependence of these properties on the conditions of reduction has been determined. The surface area of powders varies from 1 to 10 m2/g in the temperature-of-reduction range 700-350°C. The tap density is also variable (1–3 g/c.c.) and is generally related to the surface area. The effects of compacting pressure and temperature on sintering are described, the progress of sintering being observed by measurements of the “open” and “closed” porosity present in samples. Compact densities up to 95% of theoretical can be obtained by sintering at 1500°C. The selection of powder properties and compacting pressures to be used in the production, by vacuum sintering at 1500°C, of high-density compacts for working, is governed by the necessity to maintain open porosity during the heating cycle up to at least 1200°C, as considerable gas evolution occurs at this temperature; at the same time it is essential that good densification shall have occurred even at this stage. These conditions can be met by using powder with a surface area of 2–5 m2/g and compacting pressures in the range 0·5–25 tons/in 2.
Observations on the hot working of sintered compacts indicate that ease of working is related to the surface area of the powder.
Notes
* Manuscript received 2 December 1960.