Production of second phase containing composite steel by powder metallurgy and its metallurgical characterization

In this study, powders of Fe, Low Carbon Steel (Fe-ASC) and Stainless Steel were mixed with ratios of %2.5, %5, %7.5, %10, %15 of B4C to produce Fe, Low Carbon Steel (Fe-ASC) and Stainless Steel matrix composites. The mixtures were compacted using single axis die at 200MPa compaction pressure. Following the compaction, mixtures of B4C+Fe, B4C+Stainless Steel and B4C+FeASC composites were obtained and sintered at 600 ºC, 800 ºC and 1000 ºC for 60 mins under Argon atmosphere in conventional tube furnace. The weights and dimensions of specimens were measured before and after sintering. X-Ray Diffractions studies and standard metallographic analysis were carried out in order to define the phases formed after sintering and reveal the morphology of the specimens of which their chemical changes and morphology were also investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Specimens with lower additions of B4C are found to be of physically good quality. The types of compounds following the reaction were found to be less with increasing sintering temperature.