Effect of sintering temperature on densification and properties of T15-5wt% Cu steels containing Al₂O₃ particles

141-149In the present investigation, the sintering of T15 HSS (particle size range of 63-106 μm) with addition of copper and/orAl2O3 was examined. The results showed that the higher sintered density was obtained in case of liquid phase sintered T15 HSS. Presence of copper further increased densification due to its transient liquid phase sintering effect. Addition of Al2O3 particles decreased densification due to poor wettability and less particle rearrangement. The Vickers microhardness varied with densification. Addition of copper further increased microhardness due to solid solution strengthening effect. Microhardness of sintered steels dropped during liquid phase sintering because of relatively less carbide particle density. The magnetic coercivity variation was parallel to the hardness changes.