A technology for obtaining microporous stainless steel powder

Abstract

In this paper, a technology for obtaining microporous stainless steel powders by atomization and decarburization annealing is dealt with. The essence of the process is based in the recarburisation of the liquid-state metal and a subsequent decarburization of the solid-state powder by means of annealing in hydrogen or dissociated ammonia. An internal microporosity in the particle is formed through this technology activating the pressing process due to the improvement of its plastic behaviour, while a reduction in both production costs and investment expenses for introducing this technology takes place. In addition, the results of the study regarding decarburization, as well as the characterization of stainless steel powders are shown.