Characterization of the Sintering of an Alumina Matrix-Stainless Steel Dispersion Composite and Effect of Carbon Content

摘要

Alumina, like ceramics in general, exhibits good wear properties, but its uses are limited due to its brittleness. Experiments have been carried out in order to improve the ductility and toughness of alumina through powder metallurgy, by dispersing stainless steel powder in an alumina matrix.Sintering of alumina with a stainless steel (316L) has been studied, using parameters such as the forming pressure, thermal cycle, steel volumic fraction in the composite and binders removing atmosphere (air or argon with 10 percent of hydrogen). Experiments have shown that the residual carbon content from binders has a great impact on both microstructures (macro segregation of chromium) and final density of the material. Dilatometry has been used to understand the ability of stainless steel to clean the residual carbon from alumina during thermal cycle, thus improving its sintering.