Optimization of process parameters for spark plasma sintering of nano-structured ferritic Fe-18Cr-2Si alloy
By Toor, Ihsan-ul-Haq; Ahmed, Junaid; Hussein, M. A.; Al-Aqeeli, N.
Published in Powder Technology
2016
Abstract
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 20-40 nm. Maximum densification of 96.0%, Vickers hardness of 710 {HV} and pitting potential (Epit = ? 430 mVSCE) was achieved at a sintering temperature of 1100