Microstructure and microanalysis studies of copper-nickel-tin alloys obtained by conventional powder metallurgy processing

Abstract

The aim of this article was to analyze the microstructural development in samples of Cu-Ni-Sn alloys (weight %) obtained by powder metallurgy (P/M). The powders were mixed for 1/2 hour. After this, they were pressed, in a cold uniaxial pressing (1000 kPa). In the next step the specimens were sintered at temperatures varying from 650 up to 780°C under vacuum. Secondly, the samples were homogenized at 500°C for several special times. The alloys were characterized by optical microscopy, electrical conductivity and Vickers hardness. X rays powder diffraction data were collected for the sintered samples in order to a structural and microstructural analysis. The comparative analysis is based on the sintered density, densification parameter, hardness, macrostructures and microstructures of the samples. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications.