Sintering of Mixed High Speed Steel and Iron—Phosphorus Powders

Abstract

Mixed high speed steel powders and iron powders containing phosphorus have been pressed and sintered with and without added carbon and phosphorus. The objective was to assess the potential usage of these mixes for ambient temperature wear applications. The dimensional stability and structures have been investigated for a range of composition. It is found that a 50:50 mix of the two powders results in good compressibility, and with additions of carbon and phosphorus up to 0·8%C and 0·8%P respectively, adequate dimensional control after sintering can be achieved. As the carbon and phosphorus contents are increased there is a commensurate increase in the hardness and tensile strength of the as sintered product. However, at compositions with over 0·4%C and 0·6%P added, a transient liquid phase is formed resulting in deterioration of mechanical properties. PM/0459