Characteristics of Iron powder when Pressed using Explosive Pressing method

Abstract

Fine iron powder was pressed by Explosive Pressing using type of explosive; emulsion explosive (Emulex grade 150). The green density, hardness, strength and microstructure of iron compact was studied. The explosive is molded into shape charge to give more pressing energy. The underground explosion was conducted since confined space can give more blast energy. Green compact was sintered at 1000°C to strengthen the bonding between particles. Analysis of compact powder microstructure was performed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The hardness of compact powder was tested using Rockwell Digital. Universal testing machine was used to conduct the tensile test. The result shows the hardness of compact powder for explosive pressing was 45.8 HRA to 50.2 HRA. Microstructure results show lesser porosity when the density was increased from 6.046 g/cm 3 to 7.298 g/cm 3. There was a presence of cold welding and mechanical interlocking phenomena at surface of specimen.