Influence of Nitrogen/Hydrogen Atmospheres on Sintered Properties of P/M Components

The effect of individual gas constituents in a sintering atmosphere is examined to optimize the sintered properties of Iron-Carbon P/M components. The influence of sintered properties is reviewed as a function of hydrogen percentages and dew point in the sintering zone. Microstructures, porosity, pore morphology and dimensional changes are the subject of this review. The effects of CO containing atmospheres are compared against the non CO atmospheres in terms of hardness, carbon control and dimensional changes.