Carburization processes during the sintering of iron-graphite materials

Summary

The authors investigated the effect of the oxide content of iron powder on the microstructure and strength characteristics of sintered iron+3% graphite material. It was found that raising the oxide content of the iron powder in the charge results in the formation of abnormal hypereutectic structures and a sharp fall in the compressive strength of the material.

Some decrease in the structural abnormality of sintered iron-graphite material prepared from iron powder with a high (2% or more) oxide content is attained by decreasing the duration of sintering and increasing the cooling rate of the sintered material.

The use of iron powder with a total Fe content of less than 98% in not recommended.