The connecting rod is one of the most important parts in automotive engines, transforming the reciprocalmotion of a piston generated by internal combustion into the rotational motion of a crankshaft. Recent advances in highperformance automobile engines demand corresponding technological breakthroughs in the materials for engine parts. Inthe present research, the powder metallurgy (P/M) process was used to replace conventional quenching and/or temperingprocesses for mass production and ultimately for more cost-efficient manufacturing of high strength connecting rods.The development of P/M alloy powder was undertaken not only to achieve the improvement in mechanical properties,but also to enhance the machinability of the P/M processed connecting rods. Specifically MoS2 powders were added aslubricants to non-normalizing Fe-Cr-Mn-V-C alloy powder to improve the post-sintering machinability. The effects ofMoS2 addition on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and machining characteristics were investigated.

The microstructures of Ni-containing P/M steels produced by admixed powders or diffusion alloyed powders are usually heterogeneous. To improve the microstructure homogeneity, the effects of Mo and Cr additions in the prealloyed powder form were examined. The results showed that the microstructural homogeneity was improved and superior mechanical properties were achieved with increases in the alloy content, particularly for the Cr. Such a beneficial effect was attained due to the reduction of the repelling effect between Ni and C, as was demonstrated through thermodynamic analysis using the Thermo-Calc software.

1.0Cr-1.0Mo-0.25V강 용접부의 크립 파단 시험시 파단 발생 원인에 관한 연구가 시행되었다. 파괴는 Intercritical Heat Affected Zone에서 발생하였으며 파단면에서 구상의조대한 M6C탄화물이 발견되었다. 모재는 molybdenum 주성분의 M2C, vanadium 주성분의 M4C3 및 chromium 주성분의 M23C6와 M7C3 탄화물이 존재하였다. 모의 실험 결과 준안정 상태인 M2C 탄화물은 850˚C, 10oh에서 안정한 M6C탄화물로 변태하였다. M6C 탄화물은 주변의 molybdenum 농도를 떨어뜨려 강도의 저하를 가져오며 크립 기공의 발생 원인을 제공하였다.