Microstructural evolution of injection molded gas- and water-atomized 316L stainless steel powder during sintering

摘要

The present study investigates the microstructural evolution and densification behavior of water- and gas-atomized 316L stainless steel powder. Dilatometry and quenching studies were conducted to determine the extent of densification and corresponding microstructural changes. Results indicate that water-atomized powder could be sintered to 97 percent of theoretical density, while gas-atomized powders could be sintered near-full density. The difference in the densification behavior is examined in terms of the particle morphology, initial green density and the particle chemistry.