INFLUENCE OF PROCESS PARAMETERS ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND HARDNESS OF BULK COBALT SAMPLES CONSOLIDATED BY TECHNIQUE OF PLASMA PRESSURE COMPACTION

摘要

Bulk cobalt samples were prepared by consolidating micron size powders using the technique of plasma pressure compaction. The samples were obtained by consolidating the particles (of near constant size) under conditions of pulsing. Microstructural observations and density measurements provide sufficient evidence for the presence of porosity even after consolidating at an elevated temperature. The influence of process parameters, namely: temperature of consolidation and applied pressure, on (a) the development of intrinsic microstructural features, presence and distribution of artifacts, and other structural defects, (b) density, and (c) micro-hardness is detailed. The distinct advantages in using this powder compaction technique are highlighted based on microstructural observations, defect creation and micro-hardness of the bulk samples.