Abstract
The conditions under which the powders are prepared are described and details of their subsequent powder metallurgical treatment are specified. Special attention is drawn to the lubricating role of the impregnated mercury during the compaction process, in which high green densities are obtained with pressures considerably lower than those necessary with conventional lubricants. The sintering of these compacts has been studied by conventional optical microscopy on polished surfaces and by scanning electron microscopy on fracture surfaces. Adequate sintering conditions (temperature, heating rate, furnace atmosphere) for obtaining a high-quality product have been established. PM/0206