Effect of different sintering temperatures on microstructure and mechanical properties for pure al material produced by powder metallurgy

Abstract

Addressing the need for light materials in today’s industry, the present study aims to analyze the effects of sintering parameters on pure Al material manufactured using powder metallurgy technique. 99% pure and commercially obtained Al powder at a dimension of 180 µm was subjected to pre-heating and placed in a specially designed die. Al powder was compacted into a die using an upper punch with 500 MPa pressure and later removed from conical die for the sintering process. In order to find the optimal sintering temperature and duration, the compacted samples were sintered separately at 500oC, 550oC and 600oC for 45, 60 and 75 minutes for each temperature value. Microstructural analysis, microhardness test and density test of each sample obtained from the sintering process were performed to determine the most optimal sintering durations at a given temperature, and changes caused during these processes were observed. As a result of examinations, it was determined that the optimal sintering temperature and time was 500oC/60min, 550oC/45min, 600oC/45min. Finally, the samples obtained in different sintering durations for three different temperatures were subjected to a tensile test. According to the tensile test result s, it was determined that the most suitable sintering parameter for pure Al was 600oC/45min.