The microstructure and hardness of molybdenum powders consolidated by plasma pressure compaction

Bulk molybdenum samples were prepared by consolidating molybdenum powders u sing the technique of plasma pressure compaction ((PC)-C-2). The specimens were obtained by consolidating the powder particles under conditions of pul se and no-pulse and at two different temperatures. Results reveal that puls ing of the powders prior to consolidation had little influence on microhard ness when compared to the samples that were obtained by consolidating the p owder particles under no-pulse. Both nanohardness and microhardness measure ments revealed a marginal decrease with an increase in temperature of compa ction. The influence of processing variables on microstructural development and hardness is presented and discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science S.A. Al l rights reserved.