Experimental investigations on the microstructure and mechanical properties of sinter-forged Cu and Mo-alloyed low alloy steels

Abstract

The present investigation pertains to the study of the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of sinter-forged low alloy steels containing copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) as alloying elements. Elemental powders of atomized iron, graphite, molybdenum, and copper were mixed in suitable proportions using a ball mill, compacted in a 1,000 kN hydraulic press using suitable cylindrical die–punch combination and sintered at 1,000 ± 10°C in a muffle furnace for a period of 120 min in order to yield the alloy compositions (by weight) such as Fe–0.5% C, Fe–0.5% C–1% Cu, Fe–0.5% C–2% Cu, Fe–0.5% C–1% Mo, and Fe–0.5% C–2% Mo. The sintered cylindrical preforms were then subjected to hot upset forging to near theoretical density and subsequently machined off to standard size in order to carry out the mechanical tests such as hardness, tensile, and impact tests. Addition of Cu and Mo to the plain carbon steel has been observed to enhance the tensile strength as well as hardness of the sinter-forged alloys. The presence of Mo carbides in the microstructure of the alloys further reinforces this observation. The impact strength of this alloy has been observed to be reduced considerably due to the addition of the alloying elements.