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.

The characteristics of residual stresses occurring in PM steel based nickel (FLN2-4405) was investigated. The measurements of residual stresses were carried out by electrochemical layer removal technique. The values and distributions of residual stresses occurring in PM steel processed under various densities and heat treatment conditions were determined. In most of the experiments, tensile residual stresses were recorded in surface of samples. The residual stress distribution on the surface of the PM steels is affected by the heat treatment conditions and density. Maximum values of residual stresses on the surface were observed sinter hardened condition and density. Minimum level of recorded tensile residual stresses are150 MPa and its maximum level is 370 MPa.

Raw materials from different sources, produced by a given process and having equal chemical composition, are supposed to be equivalent. The differences in sintering behavior have been investigated on P/M steels obtained from four diffusion-bonded powders (Fe + Ni + Cu + Mo) on atomized iron base, at the same alloy contents. Two levels of carbon and two sintering conditions have been investigated. Dimensional changes, C content, hardness, microhardness pattern, universal hardness, fractal analysis, pore features, microstructure features, and rupture strength have been compared to characterize different raw materials. The results show that the claimed equivalence is not confirmed by experimental data.

The mechanical properties of ferrous powder metallurgy (P/M) materials are directly related to their microstructure. Ferrous P/M materials with sufficient hardenability will develop microstructures containing significant percentages of martensite in the as-sintered condition. Recently, sinter-hardening has developed into a highly cost effective production method through hardened P/M parts without the need for additional heat-treatments. This paper reviews the advances of sinter-hardening as well as some key processing parameters such as sintering temperature, cooling rate, tempering required to produce high quality sinter-hardened components. Specific topics including effect of alloying elements, alloying methods, and the Characterization and observation of microstructure are discussed.

The effect of alloying mode and porosity on the axial tension-tension fatigue behavior of a P/M steel of nominal composition Fe-4w/o Ni-1.5w/o Cu-O.5w/o Mo-O.5w/o C has been evaluated. Alloying modes utilized were elemental powder mixing, partial alloying(distaloy) and prealloying by water atomization; in each case the carbon was introduced as graphite prior to sintering. Powder compacts were sintered(/30 min.) in 7Sv/o /25v/o to densities in the range 6.77-7.2 g/. The dependence of fatigue limit response on alloying mode and porosity was interpreted in terms of the constituent phases and the pore and fracture morphologies associated with the three alloying modes. For the same nominal composition, the three alloying modes resulted in different sintered microstructures. In the elemental mix alloy and the distaloy, the major constituent was coarse and fine pearlite, with regions of Ni-rich ferrite, Ni-rich martensite and Ni-rich areas. In contrast, the prealloy consisted primarily of martensite by with some Ni-rich areas. From an examination of the fracture surfaces following fatigue testing it was concluded that essentially all of the fracture surfaces exhibited dimpled rupture, characteristic of tensile overload. Thus, the extent of growth of any fatigue cracks prior to overload was small. The stress amplitude for the three alloying modes at 2x was used for the comparison of fatigue strengths. For load cycles <3x, the prealloy exhibited optimum fatigue response followed by the distaloy and elemental mix alloy, respectively. At load cycles >2x, similar fatigue limits were exhibited by the three alloys. It was concluded that fatigue cracks propagate primarily through pores, rather than through the constituent phases of the microstructure. A decrease in pore SIze improved the S-N behavior of the sintered steel.

Highspeed steels (HSS) with a combination of good wear resistance and toughness are finding new, non-cutting applications such as rolls and rollers. In this paper, the research interests are focused on the microstructural evolution of a SMo-6W series high speed steel during HIPping and the effect of HIPping process parameters on its microstructure and properties. HIPping process variables includes; temperature, pressure and hold time. The microstructures of the HIPped HSS were examined by SEM, OM and X-ray diffraction whereas the properties measured were the relative density, hardness, and bend strength at room temperature. In HIPped materials, MC and M6C were the major carbides formed in a matrix of martensite. The effect of powder size on the microstructure and mechanical properties of HIPped materials was insignificant. However, HIPping temperature and hold time strongly affected the carbide size and distribution. The results show that at proper HIPping temperature and pressure conditions, the final products approach the full density ( > 99% RD). The particle boundaries were completely eliminated without an eminent microstructural coarsening. The bend strength was about 2.3 Gpa, which is superior to cast HSS. At excessive HIPping temperatures, rapid carbide coarsening occurred, thus deteriorating the mechanical properties of the P/M steels.