The Influence of Steam Treatment on Mechanical Properties and Abrasive Wear Behavior of Sintered P/M Steels

Abstract

In this paper is a study of the influence of steam treatment on sintered P/M steels, for three different types of powder. The abrasive wear of steam-treated sintered iron is analysed by abrasion tests. The specimens were produced from atomised iron powders (Hoeganaes Corporation) with different sizes (<45, 45-63, 63-100, 100-150, >150 μm). They were compacted at pressures 600 MPa, sintered for 60 minutes at 1150 ºC and then subjected to continuous steam treatments at 550 ºC for 45 minutes. The abrasion tests were conducted under constant load and speed conditions. The wear properties of sintered iron were improved by steam treatment and by the addition of alloying elements. An increase in hardness was associated with an increase in wear resistance. The results reveal that the samples (P₂ and P₃) prealloyed with Cu, Ni and Mo can improve wear resistance of sintered steels.