The Effect of Sintering Temperature on the As-Sintered and Heat Treated Properties of Pre-alloyed Mo Low Carbon Steel Alloyed with Ferromanganese

摘要

Alloying with Manganese is a well-established cost effective way to improve the mechanical properties of steel. Within this work, the effect of sintering temperature on the as-sintered and heat treated properties of a pre-alloyed Mo low carbon PM steel alloyed with ferromanganese is discussed. Two PM steels containing different levels of Mn were single pressed to >7.3g/cm~3 density and sintered at 1140°C (2084°F) and 1300°C (2372°F), respectively. Sintered PM steels were subjected to a heat treatment process involving carburization, quenching and tempering. Both as-sintered and heat treated samples were subjected to microstructural characterization, and mechanical tests including apparent hardness and transverse rupture strength. Three point bending fatigue strength was measured on heat treated samples. As expected, samples sintered at 1300°C (2372°F) exhibit better homogeneity of Mn and more rounded porosity, which consequently leads to improved strength and durability. The effect of sintering temperature on the as-sintered transverse rupture strength is not significant.