Optimization of process parameters for spark plasma sintering of nano-structured ferritic Fe-18Cr-2Si alloy
By Ihsan-ul-Haq Toor and Junaid Ahmed and M.A. Hussein and N. Al-Aqeeli
Published in Powder Technology
2016
Abstract
Spark plasma sintering (SPS) process parameters were optimized in terms of densification, microhardness and corrosion resistance to develop a nano-structured Fe-18Cr-2Si ferritic alloy. The powders were mechanically alloyed (MA) in a planetary ball mill and subsequently \SPS\ was carried out under different processing conditions. Powders and sintered samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). \XRD\ phase evolution studies on ball milled powders confirmed the formation of a crystallized alloy after 100 h milling. \XRD\ of sintered alloy confirmed the development of a nano-structured ferritic alloy with a crystallite size in the range of 20