Consolidation processes in the sintering of fine-grained iron-copper pseudo-alloys

The properties of fine-grained iron-copper pseudo-alloys (ICPA) and consoli dation processes that occur during their sintering are studied. The grains are no larger than 0.5 mu m. It was established that the specimens undergo shrinkage, not growth, when fine iron-copper mixtures are sintered within t he range 600-1130 degrees C. This occurs as a result of active consolidatio n of the dispersed powder. mixture, shortening of the diffusion paths, and the active formation of solid solutions based on iron and copper. Sintered ICPAs have a stable fine-grained microstructure with a maximum grain size o f 0.5 mu m only when they are sintered and treated in the solid phase. A co arse-grained structure is formed when ICPAs are heated to temperatures at w hich a liquid phase appears. Fine-grained ICPAs are also characterized by h igh hardness (up to 240-260 HB).